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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In poetry, what is the term that Aristotle gives for an action that aims to accomplish a certain goal, but actually accomplishes the opposite?
(a) Reversal of Situation.
(b) Failure.
(c) Irony.
(d) Tragedy.

2. In a good tragedy as defined by Aristotle, why wouldn't you see two evil men fighting and killing one another?
(a) This action would not inspire pity.
(b) It would be boring.
(c) A tragedy only has one evil character.
(d) Evil men team up, not fight each other.

3. When does Aristotle feel that deviation from reality is justified?
(a) When history alone is not interesting enough.
(b) When the poem lacks rhythm.
(c) When there is good reason for the deviation.
(d) When a story needs poetic charm.

4. According to "Poetics", what would be the analogy between the pen of a writer and the plow of a farmer?
(a) This is not an analogy.
(b) Both are people.
(c) They are tools: both are used to make a living.
(d) Both work.

5. How does Aristotle compare the medium of poetry and prose?
(a) Both use the same medium and rhythm.
(b) Both use the same medium.
(c) Both use the same medium and meter.
(d) It is nothing like prose.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle explains that tragedies should have what that other poems do not?

2. What does Aristotle believe to be the goal of tragedy?

3. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

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

5. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?

(see the answer key)

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