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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What type of tragedy does Aristotle say does NOT require impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators?
(a) A superior tragedy with a strong plot.
(b) An episodic tragedy.
(c) An unusual tragedy.
(d) A complex tragedy.

2. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?
(a) The characters can conquer the problem.
(b) The story can end happily.
(c) The problem can conquer the characters and the story ends unhappily.
(d) The characters always resolve the issues and harmony is restored.

3. According to Aristotle, why do the greatest tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to such groups?
(a) A fall from such a great height will impress the spectator.
(b) A character with few friends is more interesting.
(c) An educated character is more believable.
(d) A moral character is more believable.

4. What example does Aristotle use to demonstrate his point of epic vs. tragedy formats?
(a) His own personal work.
(b) Homer's "Iliad".
(c) The failures of many poets who attempted to make an epic poem a tragedy.
(d) The success of many poets who attempted to make an epic poem a tragedy.

5. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?
(a) It ties the beginning to the end.
(b) It gives the reader a sense of resolution.
(c) It evokes pity.
(d) It draws the reader in with the suspense of how the problem will be resolved, if it ever is.

Short Answer Questions

1. In depicting his main character, Aristotle says that the poet should always accomplish four things. Of the following, which is NOT one of these four things?

2. Aristotle asserts that the main character of a tragedy must have what?

3. Based on Aristotle's teachings, why do some tragedies use certain effects when performed on stage?

4. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?

5. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a person who is aware of the circumstances is considered to be of a certain quality?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on "Poetics" by Aristotle, explain how the effect of a sad plot will be magnified?

2. While some tragedies may use impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators, what type of tragedy according to Aristotle does not require such spectacles and why?

3. In addition to recognition through sign, what are some other ways that Aristotle identifies as ways in which recognition can occur?

4. When does Aristotle say the use of recognition through sign is used poorly?

5. In regard to the plot device of recognition, give an example that Aristotle provides in "Poetics" of how recognition can occur through some recognition of sign.

6. What types of situations does Aristotle say occur frequently in tragedy and why?

7. Give an example that Aristotle provides in "Poetics" of a failed action where the character of a tragic story was aware of the circumstances then failed to follow through.

8. In order for a plot to be truly effective in achieving the desired emotional responses, Aristotle explains that the actions portrayed in it must be of a certain character. Explain.

9. Define the ways in which Aristotle divides the plot of a tragedy.

10. Based on Aristotle's reasoning, what type of main character should a poet choose and why?

(see the answer keys)

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