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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section II.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When a poet simply straightforwardly describes the events as they happen, what method does Aristotle say the poet is using?
(a) The method of third person.
(b) The method of recognition.
(c) The method of imitation.
(d) The method of first person.

2. What two things does Aristotle require to be present in a well-written story?
(a) Conflict and pain.
(b) Rhythm and harmony.
(c) Irony and foreshadowing.
(d) Birth and death.

3. According to Aristotle, how should the plot of a well-written tragedy be structured?
(a) With a logical beginning and end.
(b) It should leave the reader guessing until the end.
(c) With the end that makes readers want more.
(d) A structured plot makes bad poetry.

4. 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.

5. What is history according to Aristotle?
(a) Lies.
(b) Accounts that may or may not have happened.
(c) Rumors promoted as truth.
(d) Concerned simply with facts.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle says that at most, episodic plots involve what?

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

3. Aristotle explains that a sign is one of four types of recognition. What is an example of recognition occurring through the use of a sign?

4. What, as Aristotle states, are good poets forced to do when they write stories with episodic plots?

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

(see the answer key)

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