Aristotle – Poetics
Aristotle’s Poetics is the earliest and most influential work of literary criticism in Western tradition. It defines poetry as mimesis (imitation) and explains the principles of tragedy, epic poetry, and dramatic construction. Aristotle analyses what makes a work artistically excellent, emotionally powerful, and morally meaningful.
What is Poetry?
According to Aristotle, poetry is:
- an imitation of life (mimesis)
- expressed through rhythm, language and harmony
- universal (represents general truths)
He categorises poetry into three forms: Epic, Tragedy, Comedy (and later lyric).
Definition of Tragedy (Most Important Part)
Aristotle defines tragedy as:
“an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude… through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions.”
Key elements from this definition:
- Serious action
- Complete and unified plot
- Has magnitude
- Arouses pity and fear
- Achieves catharsis (emotional purification)
Six Structural Parts of Tragedy
The six elements are:
- Plot (Mythos) – the most important
- Character (Ethos)
- Thought (Dianoia)
- Language / Diction (Lexis)
- Song / Music (Melos)
- Spectacle (Opsis) – least important
Plot – The Soul of Tragedy
Aristotle says tragedy succeeds or fails on the strength of its plot.
Key qualities of a good plot:
- Unity – all events must contribute to one main action.
- Completeness – clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Magnitude – meaningful, not trivial.
- Probability – events should be logically connected.
- Complexity – includes reversal & recognition.
Peripeteia & Anagnorisis
- Peripeteia (Reversal) – when the situation turns opposite unexpectedly.
- Anagnorisis (Recognition) – discovery of truth.
Example: Oedipus Rex combines both masterfully.
Hamartia – The Tragic Error
The hero’s downfall is caused not by wickedness but by hamartia (tragic flaw or error in judgment).
Examples:
- Oedipus – ignorance of his identity
- Hamlet – indecision
Catharsis
The purpose of tragedy is to evoke pity and fear and cleanse the audience emotionally. This emotional purification is called catharsis.
Character in Tragedy
A tragic hero should be:
- morally good
- appropriate (fitting the role)
- consistent
- realistic
Best hero: someone “between good and evil,” highly placed, who falls due to hamartia.
Epic vs Tragedy – Key Differences
| Epic Poetry | Tragedy |
|---|---|
| Narrative form | Performed on stage |
| Unlimited length | Limited duration |
| Many stories or episodes | Single, unified action |
| No music or spectacle | Includes music and spectacle |
| Multiple meters | Single metre (iambic) |
Aristotle still considers tragedy higher than epic because it achieves its effect more intensely and in less time.
Imitation (Mimesis)
Poetry imitates:
- human actions
- emotions
- moral choices
Mimesis is not copying reality—it is representing universal truth.
Language, Style & Thought
Thought (Dianoia)
Ideas, themes, arguments expressed by characters.
Language (Lexis)
Appropriate and elevated style should be used. Metaphor is the greatest of all poetic devices.
Spectacle (Opsis)
The visual elements of drama. Aristotle calls it the least artistic because it depends on stage mechanics, not poetry.
Critical Analysis
- Poetics is the foundation of Western literary theory.
- Provides scientific and logical rules for drama.
- Tragedy is viewed as moral, emotional and educational.
- Aristotle values plot over character, unlike modern critics.
- His praise of Oedipus Rex shapes dramatic standards even today.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Aristotle |
| Work | Poetics (4th century BCE) |
| Main Focus | Theory of tragedy, mimesis, plot, catharsis |
| Central Idea | Tragedy imitates serious action to produce catharsis |
| Most Important Element | Plot |
| Hero’s Error | Hamartia |
| Emotional Effect | Pity & Fear |
| Key Techniques | Reversal & Recognition |
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