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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The plot, as Aristotle explains, should be unified in such a way that each part should be what?
(a) Necessary to other parts, but not to the whole.
(b) Equivalent.
(c) Trivial.
(d) Necessary to the whole.

2. According to Aristotle, why do good poets sometimes write stories using episodic plots?
(a) To showcase their skills in contests.
(b) Because episodic plots are considered more interesting.
(c) They never write stories using episodic plots.
(d) For the challenge.

3. In what three ways does Aristotle differentiate various art forms from one another?
(a) By the medium, objects, and manner of imitation.
(b) Era, objects, and manner of imitation.
(c) Manner of imitation, artist, and era.
(d) According to the artist, era, and artistic effort.

4. What is one of the requirements Aristotle mentions for a good tragic plot?
(a) A good plot must be unified.
(b) A good plot must have disconnected episodes that tie together at the end.
(c) A good plot must be mysterious.
(d) A good plot must be tragic in the beginning, middle, and end.

5. How does Aristotle differentiate poetry from prose?
(a) They are the same.
(b) Poetry uses language alone.
(c) Prose uses pictures and music.
(d) Poetry uses rhythm in the form of meter.

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

7. Concerning the "laws of probability and necessity," what statement below is NOT correct according to Aristotle's teachings in "Poetics"?
(a) The poet portrays what events could possibly happen in the world.
(b) The poet implies his vision of how the world should be.
(c) The poet implies his understanding of how the world works.
(d) The poet implies his notion of justice.

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

9. In poetry, Aristotle says that in the "Odyssey" recognition comes about how??
(a) Odyssues's nurse recognizes him from his scar.
(b) Penelope recognizes his walk.
(c) None of the answers is correct..
(d) The suitors recognize him by his face.

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

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

12. In order for a plot to be truly effective in achieving the desired emotional response from its readers or audience, Aristotle says that the poet must do what?
(a) Pick characters whose relationships to one another make the actions of the plot more interesting.
(b) Infuse irony throughout the story.
(c) Write a tragedy with a sad ending.
(d) Pick characters that the audience can easily pity.

13. Aristotle teaches that the beginning of a well-written tragedy starts at what point?
(a) With the end and uses the method of flashback to tell the rest.
(b) In the middle and uses the method of flashback to tell what preceded.
(c) Where the narrative has no dependence upon events that happened prior to it.
(d) Where the narrative has dependence upon events that happen prior to it.

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

15. According to Aristotle, how should the plot of a well-written tragedy be structured?
(a) A structured plot makes bad poetry.
(b) With a logical beginning and end.
(c) It should leave the reader guessing until the end.
(d) With the end that makes readers want more.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs with "Recognition" and/or "Reversal of Situation"?

2. Aristotle says what type of poetry imitates the "lower" types of men?

3. In art, what does Aristotle believe to be the object?

4. What type of poetry does Aristotle say focuses on serious and important actions?

5. In how many ways does Aristotle say the method of imitation can differ?

(see the answer keys)

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