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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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?
(a) The person was already aware and no disaster occurs.
(b) A person who is aware is boring.
(c) An audience does not like happy endings.
(d) A failed action interrupts the flow.

2. Aristotle teaches that the beginning of a well-written tragedy starts at what point?
(a) Where the narrative has no dependence upon events that happened prior to it.
(b) In the middle and uses the method of flashback to tell what preceded.
(c) With the end and uses the method of flashback to tell the rest.
(d) Where the narrative has dependence upon events that happen prior to it.

3. What does Aristotle say about what many writers do with history?
(a) Many writers discard history completely.
(b) Many writers manipulate it.
(c) Many writers take it as their archetype.
(d) Many writers lie about it.

4. Upon what does Aristotle think the plot of a poem should always be based?
(a) Several small episodes.
(b) It does not matter as long as it is well done.
(c) Two or more complete actions.
(d) A single, complete action.

5. According to Aristotle, why do good poets sometimes write stories using episodic plots?
(a) To showcase their skills in contests.
(b) Because episodic plots are considered more interesting.
(c) For the challenge.
(d) They never write stories using episodic plots.

Short Answer Questions

1. The plot, as Aristotle explains, should be unified in such a way that each part should be what?

2. The object poetry portrays is what, according to Aristotle?

3. A character attempting to save his friend but accidentally killing him instead is an example Aristotle gives for what?

4. What are/is the name(s) of the part(s) that Aristotle gives to the plot of a tragedy?

5. What does Aristotle believe to be most fit to handle grand metaphors and strange words?

(see the answer key)

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