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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. Aristotle states that poetry depicts what?
(a) History.
(b) Things that happen according to the "laws of probability and necessity."
(c) The future.
(d) Things that happen based on fact and fiction.

2. Aristotle says that storytelling with episodic plots is to be favored by whom?
(a) No one.
(b) Aristotle.
(c) Poor poets.
(d) Homer.

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

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

5. Aristotle believes that a poet can turn a complex plot into a simple one by doing what?
(a) Eliminating recognition and/or reversal of situation.
(b) Hard work and dedication.
(c) Adding more character flaws.
(d) Focus.

Short Answer Questions

1. When a poet presents the poem in the voice of one of the characters, what method does Aristotle say that the poet is using?

2. In an episodic plot, Aristotle explains that the individual episodes of the story bear what to one another?

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

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

5. Aristotle teaches that the beginning of a well-written tragedy starts at what point?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. According to Aristotle, how does the method of imitation differ?

4. 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?

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. How does Aristotle say that poetry differs from history?

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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