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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Aristotle describe epic poems as always written?
(a) Purely fiction, not based in folk lore.
(b) Narrative.
(c) Always lyrical.
(d) Romantic.

2. 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?
(a) Actions should help the reader grasp the significance of the whole.
(b) Actions should be not too small or too large.
(c) Actions should be minute and trivial.
(d) Actions should be interesting.

3. What is the name that Aristotle uses for words that an audience may not understand?
(a) "Complicated" words.
(b) "Strange" words.
(c) "Big" words.
(d) "Current" words.

4. According to Aristotle, how does tragedy achieve the emotion it inspires?
(a) Irony.
(b) Contradiction.
(c) Using the element of surprise.
(d) Deceit.

5. 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) Tragedy.
(c) Failure.
(d) Irony.

Short Answer Questions

1. What other name does Aristotle give to the conclusion of a tragedy?

2. As Aristotle explains, why must a poet be sensitive to the nature of language?

3. According to Aristotle, a great plot consists of an action that almost occurs, but doesn't because of what?

4. Aristotle says that a poet must understand what in order to write a scene of love effectively between a man and a woman?

5. As for writing style, what risk does Aristotle believe the poet runs when he uses an excessive amount of metaphors?

(see the answer key)

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