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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. 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?
(a) Actions should be minute and trivial.
(b) Actions should be not too small or too large.
(c) Actions should be interesting.
(d) Actions should help the reader grasp the significance of the whole.

3. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs without "Recognition" or "Reversal of Situation"?
(a) Simple.
(b) Sad.
(c) Incongruent.
(d) Good.

4. How does Aristotle define "Recognition"?
(a) A sudden realization that one is familiar with something.
(b) A deep knowing.
(c) An understanding of something.
(d) A change from ignorance to knowledge.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Into what two types does Aristotle divide actions?

3. According to Aristotle, how should the plot of a well-written tragedy be structured?

4. The plot, as Aristotle explains, should be unified in such a way that each part should be what?

5. What are the ways Aristotle explains in regard to how poets differ in their representation of the object?

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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