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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. 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?

2. What is one of the requirements Aristotle mentions for a good tragic plot?

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

4. Aristotle defines poetic work as what?

5. According to Aristotle, why do good poets sometimes write stories using episodic plots?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Aristotle consider poetic work to be a philosophical undertaking, and, therefore, a higher pursuit than history, which is concerned simply with facts?

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

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

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

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

6. 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?

7. How does Aristotle classify or divide actions? Explain.

8. What does Aristotle say about plot in tragedy?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

When constructing the plot, Aristotle says that the poet ought to do what first and why? When should the poet begin to fill out the individual episodes and scenes of the story? Why is it important to construct the plot in this way?

(see the answer keys)

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