MCQs on Poetics by Aristotle - English Literature
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Literary Criticism Multiple Choice Question Answers on Aristotle's Poetics - English Literature
Note: These multiple-choice questions are based on the literary criticism work Poetics by Aristotle which covers Unit-VIII: Literary Criticism of UGC NET English as well as HPSC Assistant Professor English Recruitment Test -
MCQs - Poetics by Aristotle - Literary Theory in English Literature
1. According to Aristotle, the most important element of tragedy is:
A) Character
B) Thought
C) Plot
D) Spectacle
Answer: C) Plot
Explanation: Aristotle places the greatest emphasis on plot (mythos) as the soul of tragedy.
2. The term "catharsis" in Aristotle's Poetics refers to:
A) Emotional confusion
B) Intellectual satisfaction
C) Purification of emotions
D) Moral enlightenment
Answer: C) Purification of emotions
Explanation: Catharsis is the emotional release of pity and fear that tragedy evokes in the audience.
3. Aristotle defines tragedy as the imitation of an action that is:
A) Comic and incomplete
B) Serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude
C) Satirical and fragmented
D) Morally uplifting and humorous
Answer: B) Serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude
Explanation: This is a direct quote from Aristotle's definition of tragedy.
4. The concept of "hamartia" means:
A) A moral failing
B) A tragic setting
C) A flaw in the tragic hero
D) An evil deed
Answer: C) A flaw in the tragic hero
Explanation: Hamartia is a tragic error or misjudgment that leads to the protagonist's downfall.
5. What are the two emotions Aristotle says tragedy must evoke?
A) Anger and joy
B) Love and hatred
C) Pity and fear
D) Curiosity and shock
Answer: C) Pity and fear
Explanation: These are the emotions that, through catharsis, lead to emotional purification.
6. Anagnorisis refers to:
A) A tragic flaw
B) A moment of discovery
C) A reversal of fortune
D) A comic interlude
Answer: B) A moment of discovery
Explanation: Anagnorisis is the hero’s recognition of a critical truth, often about identity or fate.
7. Peripeteia means:
A) Climax of a play
B) Return of a hero
C) Reversal of fortune
D) Final resolution
Answer: C) Reversal of fortune
Explanation: It is the sudden change in the hero’s situation, often from good to bad.
8. Which of the following does Aristotle consider the least artistic element of tragedy?
A) Plot
B) Diction
C) Thought
D) Spectacle
Answer: D) Spectacle
Explanation: Aristotle views spectacle as dependent on stagecraft, not poetic art.
9. The ideal tragic hero, according to Aristotle, should be:
A) Completely virtuous
B) Completely evil
C) Noble but flawed
D) A godlike figure
Answer: C) Noble but flawed
Explanation: The hero should be relatable—neither too good nor too bad.
10. Which literary genre does Aristotle compare to tragedy in Poetics?
A) Comedy
B) Satire
C) Epic
D) Romance
Answer: C) Epic
Explanation: He compares and even ranks tragedy above epic poetry.
11. In Aristotle’s opinion, tragedy is superior to epic because:
A) It uses prose
B) It lacks spectacle
C) It has unity of action and emotional effect
D) It is longer
Answer: C) It has unity of action and emotional effect
Explanation: Tragedy combines the effects of epic while using music, spectacle, and performance.
12. Aristotle’s Poetics primarily discusses:
A) Epic and lyric poetry
B) Tragedy and comedy
C) Tragedy and epic
D) Comedy and satire
Answer: C) Tragedy and epic
Explanation: The part on comedy is lost; the surviving text focuses on tragedy and touches on epic poetry.
13. Diction (lexis) refers to:
A) Use of stage props
B) Musical rhythm
C) Language and expression
D) Themes and ideas
Answer: C) Language and expression
Explanation: Diction covers style, word choice, and linguistic devices.
14. The function of the chorus in tragedy is to:
A) Distract the audience
B) Comment on action and reflect morality
C) Provide comic relief
D) Narrate the entire story
Answer: B) Comment on action and reflect morality
Explanation: The chorus plays an interpretive and ethical role in Greek tragedy.
15. Which of the following is NOT one of the six elements of tragedy?
A) Plot
B) Thought
C) Theme
D) Spectacle
Answer: C) Theme
Explanation: Theme is implied in “thought,” but not listed as one of the six.
16. What is the purpose of unity of action?
A) To allow multiple subplots
B) To ensure the story focuses on one main event
C) To emphasize the chorus
D) To allow episodic structure
Answer: B) To ensure the story focuses on one main event
Explanation: Unity of action demands a coherent, single plot line.
17. What type of plot does Aristotle consider most effective?
A) Episodic plot
B) Complex plot with reversal and recognition
C) Simple plot with no twist
D) Multiple subplots
Answer: B) Complex plot with reversal and recognition
Explanation: A complex plot leads to stronger emotional engagement.
18. Which of the following best describes Aristotle’s method in Poetics?
A) Biographical
B) Psychological
C) Philosophical and analytical
D) Historical
Answer: C) Philosophical and analytical
Explanation: He uses logical reasoning to define and analyze literary principles.
19. Aristotle's Poetics was written as a response to:
A) Sophocles’ criticism
B) Roman comedy
C) Plato’s attack on poetry
D) Homer’s Odyssey
Answer: C) Plato’s attack on poetry
Explanation: Plato dismissed poets as imitators; Aristotle defended poetry as instructive and cathartic.
20. Aristotle says tragedy should arouse which of the following effects in the audience?
A) Delight and amusement
B) Pity and fear
C) Hope and joy
D) Confusion and empathy
Answer: B) Pity and fear
Explanation: These are the key emotional responses that lead to catharsis.
>> English Literature Notes: Aristotle's Poetics - Key Concepts and Terms >>
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