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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?

2. Based on "Poetics", how will the effect of a sad plot of a tragic story be magnified?

3. In a tragedy, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?

4. Aristotle says that it's important for any poet to master what in a tragedy?

5. If the characters conquer the problem, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?

Short Essay Questions

1. If the tragedy is to be performed, what does Aristotle say the poet should ensure and why?

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

3. What does Aristotle say in regard to how actions in a plot should be chosen?

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

5. Does Aristotle believe that Homer's "Iliad" should be written in the format of a tragedy? Why or why not?

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

7. What type of recognition is considered by Aristotle to be superior to the others and why?

8. 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.

9. List at least two things that Aristotle says a poet of a tragedy should always accomplish when depicting his characters.

10. Why does Aristotle consider a failed action in a tragedy where the character was aware of the circumstances then failed to follow through to be a poor development in the plot?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Compare the habits of good poets and bad poets according to Aristotle. Discuss their styles and motivations as discussed in "Poetics".

2) Based on "Poetics", discuss the elements or characteristics possessed by a superior tragedy.

3) What guidelines does Aristotle provide in regard to a poet choosing characters?

Essay Topic 2

How would you develop an episodic plot as defined by Aristotle? What type of poets does Aristotle say are known to use this form of storytelling? Why do other types of poets use this form?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Based on your interpretation of "Poetics", compare the writing styles and balance of well written poetry versus poorly written poetry.

2) Discuss why a poet, according to Aristotle, must always be sure to keep the plots for his stories simple.

3) Compare history and poetry through the eyes of Aristotle. Explain the mistake many writers make when writing stories from history.

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