1. In poetry, what is the term that Aristotle gives for an action that aims to accomplish a certain goal, but actually accomplishes the opposite?
(a) Reversal of Situation.
(b) Irony.
(c) Tragedy.
(d) Failure.

2. Aristotle teaches that the beginning of a well-written tragedy starts at what point?
(a) With the end and uses the method of flashback to tell the rest.
(b) Where the narrative has no dependence upon events that happened prior to it.
(c) In the middle and uses the method of flashback to tell what preceded.
(d) Where the narrative has dependence upon events that happen prior to it.

3. In what three ways does Aristotle differentiate various art forms from one another?
(a) According to the artist, era, and artistic effort.
(b) Era, objects, and manner of imitation.
(c) Manner of imitation, artist, and era.
(d) By the medium, objects, and manner of imitation.

4. In the context of poetry, Aristotle explains that rhythm is used in the form of a what?
(a) Meter.
(b) Specific beat.
(c) Mysterious undertone.
(d) Harmony.

5. How does Aristotle define "Recognition"?
(a) A deep knowing.
(b) A change from ignorance to knowledge.
(c) An understanding of something.
(d) A sudden realization that one is familiar with something.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle explains that actions described in a tragic plot should have certain characteristics. Which one of the following is NOT one of the characteristics that Aristotle identifies?

2. In poetry, Aristotle explains that the "Recognition" is almost always what?

3. What does Aristotle say about the element of surprise in a tragedy?

4. What type of situation does Aristotle explain occurs more frequently in tragedy?

5. Per Aristotle, the unity of plot is what to the unity of a character's actions?

(see the answer key)

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