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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?
(a) It evokes pity.
(b) It draws the reader in with the suspense of how the problem will be resolved, if it ever is.
(c) It ties the beginning to the end.
(d) It gives the reader a sense of resolution.

2. In art, what does Aristotle believe to be the object?
(a) Usually a person.
(b) Usually an animal.
(c) Something solid.
(d) What the art imitates.

3. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?
(a) Happily.
(b) Successfully.
(c) Unhappily.
(d) It ends just at the right time.

4. Per Aristotle, how does a certain poet take a historical event and organize it into an elegant story?
(a) The poet expands on the historical event.
(b) The poet focuses only on actions that are relevant to his particular story arc.
(c) He adds fiction to it.
(d) The poet adds a fair amount of metaphors to the historical event.

5. Aristotle believes that a poet can turn a complex plot into a simple one by doing what?
(a) Focus.
(b) Adding more character flaws.
(c) Hard work and dedication.
(d) Eliminating recognition and/or reversal of situation.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aristotle identify as the foundation of good poetry writing?

2. If the story is performed, why, according to Aristotle, should actors act with appropriate gestures to demonstrate their emotions and thoughts as the story progresses?

3. In situations where the poet cannot avoid absurdity, Aristotle mentions that the skilled poet does what?

4. Aristotle states that poetry depicts what?

5. What example does Aristotle use to demonstrate his point of epic vs. tragedy formats?

(see the answer key)

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