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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?
(a) They tend to rhyme.
(b) They are of considerably greater length and scope.
(c) They are much shorter.
(d) The meter of epic poems is unimportant.

2. Like any art, poetry is defined by Aristotle as what?
(a) A rhyme with more than four sentences.
(b) A kind of imitation.
(c) A theatrical play.
(d) A funny story.

3. Men are drawn to write poetry for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons Aristotle provides?
(a) There is a natural attraction to rhythm and harmony.
(b) Man enjoys learning.
(c) Man is naturally attracted to imitation.
(d) Man is naturally attracted to beauty.

4. Based on Aristotle's teachings, if the main character of a tragedy is totally without fault, his fall would not be due to his own fault, but rather what?
(a) Poor fortune.
(b) His own creation.
(c) A bad attitude.
(d) His mother.

5. Based on "Poetics" by Aristotle, how many deeds does Homer say Odysseus accomplished?
(a) Sixteen.
(b) Ten thousand.
(c) Twenty-six.
(d) Twenty thousand.

Short Answer 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?

2. How does Aristotle compare the medium of poetry and prose?

3. In what three ways does Aristotle differentiate various art forms from one another?

4. When an evil character of a tragic story is suddenly thrust into misfortune, it has been said that this satisfies the moral sense of the audience, but Aristotle asserts that the misfortune does not inspire what?

5. Aristotle explains that a sign is one of four types of recognition. What is an example of recognition occurring through the use of a sign?

(see the answer key)

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