Poetics

Aristotle

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Author Description

Greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle, lived in the 4th century B.C. and is thought of as one of the most important figures from classical antiquity. Aristotle was probably the most famous member of Plato's Academy in Athens, whose writings would ultimately form the first comprehensive system of Western philosophy. His writings were not constrained to simply one field of inquiry but covered such various subjects as physics, biology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, rhetoric, linguistics, politics and government. Contained in this volume is Aristotle's "Poetics" which is regarded as the world's first comprehensive treatise on literature. It is a detailed analysis of drama and poetry with its greatest emphasis on tragedy. Aristotle outlines the elements of good drama drawing upon specific examples from the literature of ancient Greece. Lost for a time to the Western world, "Poetics" was rediscovered in the late medieval and early renaissance period from Arabic sources. An essential read for any student of classical literature, Aristotle's "Poetics" provides great insight into the study of drama from the classical period. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and is translated by Ingram Bywater.

Menrva's Summary

THE THESIS

Aristotle investigates the fundamental principles and structural requirements that constitute effective dramatic and poetic composition. Writing from the perspective of a classical philosopher, Aristotle utilizes the existing body of Greek tragedy and epic poetry to establish a systematic framework for understanding artistic imitation, or mimesis. He argues that tragedy, in particular, functions through specific logical components—such as plot, character, and spectacle—to evoke emotional responses in an audience.

THE SCOPE MAP

What You Will Find

A systematic analysis of the six essential elements of tragedy: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song.
Definitions and functions of key dramatic concepts including catharsis, hamartia, and peripeteia.
Comparative study of epic poetry versus dramatic tragedy.
Theoretical foundations for the structure of narrative arcs and the unity of action.

THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE

Experts and scholars universally recognize this text as the foundational document for Western literary theory and dramatic criticism. Readers frequently note the density of the prose, which requires careful study to fully grasp the nuances of Aristotle's definitions and logical classifications.

Page Count:
342

Publication Date:
1981-07-30

Publisher:
Clarendon Press

ISBN-10:
019814024X

ISBN-13:
9780198140245

Philosophy

Drama

Poetry

Literary Criticism

Aesthetics