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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section I.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What men does Aristotle consider to be "lower" types?
(a) Single men.
(b) Men who are defective in some way, but not altogether evil or malicious towards others.
(c) Unemployed men.
(d) Men who are poor and unhealthy.

3. Concerning the "laws of probability and necessity," what statement below is NOT correct according to Aristotle's teachings in "Poetics"?
(a) The poet portrays what events could possibly happen in the world.
(b) The poet implies his understanding of how the world works.
(c) The poet implies his notion of justice.
(d) The poet implies his vision of how the world should be.

4. What does Aristotle identify as the most essential element of tragedy?
(a) Character.
(b) Irony.
(c) Plot.
(d) Rhyme.

5. What are the ways Aristotle explains in regard to how poets differ in their representation of the object?
(a) Poets can portray the objects as worse, better, or the same as they are
(b) There is no difference in the way poets portray the objects.
(c) Poets can portray the object as better or worse, but never the same as they are.
(d) Poets can portray the objects as worse or the same as they are.

Short Answer Questions

1. What two things does Aristotle require to be present in a well-written story?

2. What does Aristotle consider to be secondary to the most essential element of tragedy?

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

4. Like any art, poetry is defined by Aristotle as what?

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

(see the answer key)

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