View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. 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) Write a tragedy with a sad ending.
(c) Pick characters that the audience can easily pity.
(d) Infuse irony throughout the story.

4. In poetry, what is the term that Aristotle gives for an action that aims to accomplish a certain goal, but actually accomplishes the opposite?
(a) Reversal of Situation.
(b) Irony.
(c) Tragedy.
(d) Failure.

5. Aristotle explains that tragedy is not only concerned with the depiction of just any action, but of actions that inspire what?
(a) Anger.
(b) Happiness.
(c) Pity.
(d) Resentment.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is history according to Aristotle?

2. When the poet takes the appropriate steps in developing plot, Aristotle explains that the poet is much more likely to do what?

3. What does Aristotle identify as the most essential element of tragedy?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on Section I of Aristotle's "Poetics", how is the medium specific to poetry similar to and different from prose?

2. What does Aristotle say the goal of tragedy is and how does he say good poetry accomplish this goal?

3. How does Aristotle classify or divide actions? Explain.

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

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

6. According to Aristotle, different types of poetry emerge from the personalities of different types of men. What are two examples Aristotle gives in relationship to personality of men and types of poetry?

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

8. How does Aristotle define comedy as a type of poetry?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 933 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample