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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 does Aristotle identify as the most essential element of tragedy?

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

3. When the poet takes the appropriate steps in developing plot, Aristotle explains that the poet is much more likely to do what?

4. Men are drawn to write poetry for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons Aristotle provides?

5. Aristotle defines poetic work as what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Aristotle say about plot in tragedy?

8. How does Aristotle say that poetry differs from history?

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

10. Whom does Aristotle say favors episodic, as opposed to epic, storytelling and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the three options to write about:

1) Explain why men are drawn to write poetry based on Aristotle's "Poetics".

2) Explain how different types of poetry emerged based on Aristotle's "Poetics".

3) Compare comedy, tragedy, and epic poetry through the teachings of Aristotle.

Essay Topic 2

How would you develop an episodic plot as defined by Aristotle? What type of poets does Aristotle say are known to use this form of storytelling? Why do other types of poets use this form?

Essay Topic 3

What reasons does Aristotle give regarding why the poet should be careful in picking the content for his poem? What types of stories are better fit for epic poems? Would you attempt to put Homer's "Iliad" in the format of a tragedy? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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