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

2. What does Aristotle identify as the foundation of good poetry writing?
(a) An interesting twist or turn.
(b) Probability and necessity.
(c) Using well-researched historical events.
(d) Irony.

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

4. The object poetry portrays is what, according to Aristotle?
(a) Other poets.
(b) Men in action.
(c) Various places around the world.
(d) Tragic events.

5. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the context of poetry, Aristotle explains that rhythm is used in the form of a what?

2. When a poet simply straightforwardly describes the events as they happen, what method does Aristotle say the poet is using?

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

4. How does Aristotle say the different types of poetry emerged?

5. Aristotle defines poetic work as what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Aristotle explains that the object which poetry portrays is men in action. How may poets differ in how they represent these men?

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

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

5. Why does Aristotle consider poetic work to be a philosophical undertaking, and, therefore, a higher pursuit than history, which is concerned simply with facts?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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