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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. In the context of poetry and according to Aristotle's teachings, why is man naturally attracted to imitation?
(a) Imitation is a form of acting.
(b) It is a lot of fun.
(c) Imitation is less expensive.
(d) It is through imitation that man most easily learns.

2. When a poet simply straightforwardly describes the events as they happen, what method does Aristotle say the poet is using?
(a) The method of imitation.
(b) The method of third person.
(c) The method of first person.
(d) The method of recognition.

3. What is history according to Aristotle?
(a) Concerned simply with facts.
(b) Accounts that may or may not have happened.
(c) Lies.
(d) Rumors promoted as truth.

4. Per Aristotle, in which of the following ways does poetry NOT differ from history?
(a) Poetry depicts what happens according to the "laws of probability and necessity."
(b) History is concerned simply with facts.
(c) Poetry is a higher pursuit than history.
(d) Poetry tells the future, and history tells the past.

5. In an episodic plot, Aristotle explains that the individual episodes of the story bear what to one another?
(a) A lot of similarity.
(b) Irony.
(c) Opposition.
(d) Little or no relation to one another.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of story does Aristotle define as "episodic"?

2. In art, Aristotle defines the medium as what?

3. How does Aristotle define "Recognition"?

4. According to Aristotle, how does tragedy achieve the emotion it inspires?

5. 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?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aristotle say about plot in tragedy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. How does Aristotle define comedy as a type of 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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