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

2. Aristotle asserts that men who find poetry very attractive find great pleasure in what?
(a) Cleaning.
(b) Learning.
(c) Eating.
(d) Sleeping.

3. When the poet takes the appropriate steps in developing plot, Aristotle explains that the poet is much more likely to do what?
(a) Have more consistencies in the plot.
(b) Have a strong ending.
(c) Have a strong beginning.
(d) Choose great characters.

4. The plot, as Aristotle explains, should be unified in such a way that each part should be what?
(a) Equivalent.
(b) Necessary to other parts, but not to the whole.
(c) Trivial.
(d) Necessary to the whole.

5. How does Aristotle define "Recognition"?
(a) A deep knowing.
(b) An understanding of something.
(c) A change from ignorance to knowledge.
(d) A sudden realization that one is familiar with something.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle explains that actions described in a tragic plot should have certain characteristics. Which one of the following is NOT one of the characteristics that Aristotle identifies?

2. Aristotle explains that tragedy is not only concerned with the depiction of just any action, but of actions that inspire what?

3. Concerning the "laws of probability and necessity," what statement below is NOT correct according to Aristotle's teachings in "Poetics"?

4. What type of story does Aristotle define as "episodic"?

5. What is history according to Aristotle?

(see the answer key)

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