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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To Aristotle, what type of recognition is considered superior to any other kind?
(a) Recognition based on rumors.
(b) Recognition through reasoning.
(c) Recognition through the use of a sign.
(d) Recognition through a holy experience.

2. What is one of the requirements Aristotle mentions for a good tragic plot?
(a) A good plot must have disconnected episodes that tie together at the end.
(b) A good plot must be tragic in the beginning, middle, and end.
(c) A good plot must be mysterious.
(d) A good plot must be unified.

3. What does Aristotle identify as a poet's medium?
(a) Spiritual inspiration.
(b) Language and passion.
(c) Language.
(d) Language and heart.

4. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?
(a) There is no such thing as recognition through the will of the poet.
(b) One character may reveal himself to another for no reason.
(c) A character is revealed when the poet announces it.
(d) The main character reveals himself to the antagonist when the reader least expects.

5. In the context of poetry and according to Aristotle's teachings, why is man naturally attracted to imitation?
(a) Imitation is a form of acting.
(b) It is a lot of fun.
(c) Imitation is less expensive.
(d) It is through imitation that man most easily learns.

Short Answer Questions

1. Like any art, poetry is defined by Aristotle as what?

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

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

4. In depicting his main character, Aristotle says that the poet should always accomplish four things. Of the following, which is NOT one of these four things?

5. According to Aristotle, how should the plot of a well-written tragedy be structured?

(see the answer key)

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