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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs without "Recognition" or "Reversal of Situation"?
(a) Simple.
(b) Incongruent.
(c) Sad.
(d) Good.

2. What are the ways Aristotle explains in regard to how poets differ in their representation of the object?
(a) Poets can portray the object as better or worse, but never the same as they are.
(b) There is no difference in the way poets portray the objects.
(c) Poets can portray the objects as worse or the same as they are.
(d) Poets can portray the objects as worse, better, or the same as they are

3. 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 interesting.
(d) Actions should be minute and trivial.

4. Aristotle says what type of poetry imitates the "lower" types of men?
(a) Comedy.
(b) Tragedy.
(c) Roman poetry.
(d) Greek poetry.

5. In poetry, Aristotle explains that the "Recognition" is almost always what?
(a) A tragedy.
(b) A surprise.
(c) The end of the poem.
(d) Between two characters.

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

7. What is history according to Aristotle?
(a) Lies.
(b) Concerned simply with facts.
(c) Accounts that may or may not have happened.
(d) Rumors promoted as truth.

8. Into what two types does Aristotle divide actions?
(a) Happy and sad.
(b) Congruent and incongruent.
(c) Good and bad.
(d) Simple and complex.

9. 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 is naturally attracted to beauty.
(c) Man is naturally attracted to imitation.
(d) Man enjoys learning.

10. In art, Aristotle defines the medium as what?
(a) The manner in which the art is produced.
(b) The average.
(c) The artist's spiritual inspiration.
(d) A middle state or condition.

11. What does Aristotle say about the element of surprise in a tragedy?
(a) It keeps the reader guessing and interested.
(b) It helps inspire pity.
(c) It helps inspire sadness.
(d) It helps inspire joy.

12. Aristotle explains that the medium specific to poetry is one that uses what?
(a) Rhyme.
(b) Pictures.
(c) Language alone.
(d) Words and pictures.

13. In how many ways does Aristotle say the method of imitation can differ?
(a) Ten.
(b) Two.
(c) Four.
(d) Countless.

14. When the poet takes the appropriate steps in developing plot, Aristotle explains that the poet is much more likely to do what?
(a) Have a strong beginning.
(b) Have a strong ending.
(c) Choose great characters.
(d) Have more consistencies in the plot.

15. Aristotle says that at most, episodic plots involve what?
(a) Strange irony.
(b) Sad middle and happy ending.
(c) Disconnected foreshadowing.
(d) The same characters.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle explains that tragedy is not only concerned with the depiction of just any action, but of actions that inspire what?

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

3. Aristotle defines poetic work as what?

4. What is one of the requirements Aristotle mentions for a good tragic plot?

5. Aristotle asserts that men who find poetry very attractive find great pleasure in what?

(see the answer keys)

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