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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Aristotle compare the medium of poetry and prose?
(a) Both use the same medium.
(b) Both use the same medium and rhythm.
(c) Both use the same medium and meter.
(d) It is nothing like prose.

2. 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.

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

4. Per Aristotle, the unity of plot is what to the unity of a character's actions?
(a) Equivalent.
(b) Influential, but not important.
(c) Not equivalent, but often closely related.
(d) Irrelevant.

5. 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) Write a tragedy with a sad ending.
(b) Infuse irony throughout the story.
(c) Pick characters whose relationships to one another make the actions of the plot more interesting.
(d) Pick characters that the audience can easily pity.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs without "Recognition" or "Reversal of Situation"?

2. What men does Aristotle consider to be "lower" types?

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

4. Aristotle explains that the medium specific to poetry is one that uses what?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aristotle say about plot in tragedy?

2. Aristotle points out that good poets may also write episodic stories. What reason does he give?

3. Based on Aristotle's teachings, what does it mean when a plot is unified?

4. What does Aristotle say about the actions described in a tragic plot?

5. Whom does Aristotle say favors episodic, as opposed to epic, storytelling and why?

6. How does Aristotle define tragedy as a type of poetry?

7. Is the unity of plot the same as the unity of a character's actions? Explain.

8. What are two reasons Aristotle says that men are drawn to write poetry?

9. What does Aristotle say about the the beginning and end of a tragic plot?

10. According to Aristotle, what is an example of a poor type of story and why?

(see the answer keys)

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