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

2. A character attempting to save his friend but accidentally killing him instead is an example Aristotle gives for what?
(a) Second degree manslaughter.
(b) Reversal of Situation.
(c) Bad luck.
(d) Recognition.

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

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

5. What does Aristotle identify as the most essential element of tragedy?
(a) Plot.
(b) Irony.
(c) Rhyme.
(d) Character.

Short Answer Questions

1. Per Aristotle, the unity of plot is what to the unity of a character's actions?

2. In the context of poetry and according to Aristotle's teachings, why is man naturally attracted to imitation?

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?

4. Aristotle says that at most, episodic plots involve what?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

5. How does Aristotle differentiate the arts from one another?

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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