Chapter 13 The Poetics

Human Nature and Poetry (Aristotle)

Aristotle suggests that it is human nature to write and appreciate poetry, as humans are naturally imitative creatures who learn and delight in works of imitation.

Delight in Imitation (Aristotle)

Aristotle points out that humans are fascinated by representations of dead bodies or disgusting animals, as evidence that we naturally delight in works of imitation.

Learning (Aristotle)

Aristotle suggests that humans can learn by examining representations and imitations of things, and that learning is one of the greatest pleasures.

Evolution of Poetry (Aristotle)

As poetry evolved, a division emerged between serious writers (noble characters, lofty hymns) and meaner writers (ignoble characters, demeaning invectives).

Tragedy and Comedy (Aristotle)

Tragedy is the grandest representation of the lofty poetic tradition, while comedy represents the mean tradition.

Dithyrambs

Improvised songs sung in honor of Dionysus, often accompanied by a narrator, representing an early form of tragedy.

Aeschylus's Innovation in Tragedy

Reduced the number of the chorus and introduced a second actor on stage, making dialogue the central focus.

Sophocles's Innovation in Tragedy

Added a third actor and introduced background scenery.

Third Innovation in Tragedy (Meter)

Tragedy developed an air of seriousness, and the meter changed from a trochaic rhythm to an iambic rhythm.

Fourth Innovation in Tragedy (Structure)

Tragedy developed a plurality of episodes, or acts.

Comedy (Aristotle)

Deals with the ridiculous, a kind of ugliness that does no harm to anybody else.

Tragedy vs. Epic Poetry (Difference 1)

Tragedy is told in a dramatic form and employs several kinds of verse, while epic poetry employs only one.

Tragedy vs. Epic Poetry (Difference 2)

The action of a tragedy is usually confined to a single day, making it much shorter than an epic poem.

Tragedy vs. Epic Poetry (Difference 3)

Tragedy has all the elements characteristic of epic poetry, plus additional elements unique to it.

Human Nature and Poetry (Aristotle)

Aristotle suggests that it is human nature to write and appreciate poetry, as humans are naturally imitative creatures who learn and delight in works of imitation. Rhythm and harmony also come naturally to humans, leading to the evolution of poetry.

Delight in Imitation (Aristotle)

Aristotle points out that humans are fascinated by representations of dead bodies or disgusting animals, even though the actual things would repel them, as evidence that we naturally delight in works of imitation.

Learning (Aristotle)

Aristotle suggests that humans can learn by examining representations and imitations of things, and that learning is one of the greatest pleasures.

Evolution of Poetry (Aristotle)

As poetry evolved, a division emerged between serious writers (noble characters, lofty hymns/panegyrics) and meaner writers (ignoble characters, demeaning invectives).

Tragedy and Comedy (Aristotle)

Tragedy is the grandest representation of the lofty poetic tradition, while comedy represents the mean tradition.

Dithyrambs

Improvised songs sung in honor of Dionysus, god of wine, by a chorus of around fifty men and boys, often accompanied by a narrator, representing an early form of tragedy.

Aeschylus's Innovation in Tragedy

Reduced the number of the chorus and introduced a second actor on stage, making dialogue the central focus of the poem.

Sophocles's Innovation in Tragedy

Added a third actor and introduced background scenery.

Third Innovation in Tragedy (Meter)

Tragedy developed an air of seriousness, and the meter changed from a trochaic rhythm (suitable for dancing) to an iambic rhythm (closer to natural conversational speech).

Fourth Innovation in Tragedy (Structure)

Tragedy developed a plurality of episodes, or acts.

Comedy (Aristotle)

Deals with the ridiculous, which Aristotle defines as a kind of ugliness that does no harm to anybody else. Records of its origins are sketchier due to less historical respect compared to tragedy.

Tragedy vs. Epic Poetry (Difference 1)

Tragedy is told in a dramatic, rather than narrative, form and employs several different kinds of verse, while epic poetry employs only one.

Tragedy vs. Epic Poetry (Difference 2)

The action of a tragedy is usually confined to a single day, making it much shorter than an epic poem.

Tragedy vs. Epic Poetry (Difference 3)

Tragedy has all the elements characteristic of epic poetry, plus additional elements unique to it alone.