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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Aristotle explains that tragedy is not only concerned with the depiction of just any action, but of actions that inspire what?
(a) Anger.
(b) Pity.
(c) Happiness.
(d) Resentment.

2. The object poetry portrays is what, according to Aristotle?
(a) Men in action.
(b) Other poets.
(c) Tragic events.
(d) Various places around the world.

3. How does Aristotle differentiate poetry from prose?
(a) Poetry uses language alone.
(b) They are the same.
(c) Poetry uses rhythm in the form of meter.
(d) Prose uses pictures and music.

4. What does Aristotle say about the element of surprise in a tragedy?
(a) It keeps the reader guessing and interested.
(b) It helps inspire pity.
(c) It helps inspire sadness.
(d) It helps inspire joy.

5. What type of poetry does Aristotle say focuses on serious and important actions?
(a) Tragedy.
(b) None of the answers is correct.
(c) Roman poetry.
(d) Greek poetry.

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason does Aristotle give for Homer excluding many things that Odysseus does on his voyage home in the "Odyssey"?

2. In a tragedy, how does Aristotle say the element of surprise should come about?

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

4. What does Aristotle consider to be secondary to the most essential element of tragedy?

5. Aristotle teaches that the beginning of a well-written tragedy starts at what point?

(see the answer key)

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