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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. The object poetry portrays is what, according to Aristotle?

2. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs with "Recognition" and/or "Reversal of Situation"?

3. 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?

4. In a tragedy, how does Aristotle say the element of surprise should come about?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are two reasons Aristotle says that men are drawn to write 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. Based on Aristotle's teachings, what does it mean when a plot is unified?

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

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

8. What does Aristotle say about plot in tragedy?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aristotle teaches that the plot device of recognition can be divided into several kinds.

1) What types of recognition exist in tragedy?

2) What is the most effective form of recognition and why?

3) What is the least effective form of recognition and why?

Essay Topic 2

Aristotle divides the plot of a tragedy into two parts: the complication and the unraveling.

Part 1) Discuss the complication.

Part 2) Discuss the unraveling.

Part 3) Provide examples of each.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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