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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 art, Aristotle defines the medium as what?

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

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

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

5. What is history according to Aristotle?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What reasons does Aristotle give regarding why the poet must be sensitive to the nature of language? Into what parts can language be subdivided? What are some ways suggested by Aristotle that a poet could effectively create a rhythmic and pleasant-sounding poem that has a meter that is appropriate to the type of poem he is creating as well as to the subject matter?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) From "Poetics", discuss actions, including the definition of action, characteristics of action, how actions affect the plot, and what types of actions Aristotle considers more impressive over other types.

2) From "Poetics", discuss main character depiction, including how one should pick a main character, the characteristics that a main character should have and provide some examples to support your points.

(see the answer keys)

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