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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What, as Aristotle states, are good poets forced to do when they write stories with episodic plots?

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

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

4. What type of poetry does Aristotle say focuses on serious and important actions?

5. Aristotle explains that the medium specific to poetry is one that uses what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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 differentiate the arts from one another?

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

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

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Like any art, poetry is a kind of imitation, as Aristotle asserts. Aristotle differentiates arts from one another in three ways: medium, the objects, and the manner of imitation.

1) Define the three ways in which art is differentiated.

2) Compare poetry to prose.

3) Give an example of how poets may differ in how they represent the objects.

Essay Topic 2

Aristotle teaches that actions can be divided into two types: simple and complex.

1) Define a simple action.

2) Define a complex action.

3) Provide at least one example for a simple and complex action.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Discuss epic poetry and the ways in which it's similar to and different from tragic poetry, as Aristotle explains.

2) Explain "heroic" meter, when it's used and why it's important based on what you learned from "Poetics".

3) Discuss the essence of poetry and poetic charm through Aristotle's teachings.

4) Compare two forms of art: the more refined and the less refined. Explain why Aristotle prefers one to the other.

(see the answer keys)

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