An Analysis of Aristotle's Poetics
An Analysis of Aristotle’s Poetics
A square may be a rectangle, but a rectangle may never be a square. This idea is not complex, however when it is applies in Aristotle’s Poetics to the Greek Epics and Tragedies, it is suddenly not only applicable in an arithmetic context, but it gives a relevant and true breakdown of the commonalities and different components within these genres of literature. Within these poetics, Aristotle explicates the difference between an Epic and a Tragedy and defines the structure in which these must be composed. Not only does he articulate the manner in which this must be done, but he holds the poet accountable for each artistic choice and their adherence or diversion from this structure he has so clearly outlined. This, in turn, enables Aristotle to irrefutably classify a work as an Epic or a Tragedy based on its structure and motivation.
Aristotle first addresses the concept that Epic poetry and all that derives from it are imitations of man. He explains that no work is completely original, and each idea, unusual or mundane, must have been extracted from a preceding idea. This imitation “is produced by rhythm, language, or ‘harmony,’ either singly or combined” (Aristotle I). It is then the task of the poet to create a piece that satisfies the structure Aristotle has provided, the audience, and as the poet himself. The author must incorporate rhythm, tune, and meter and employ them singularly in order for the work to be classified a Tragic work. These things are incorporated into the poem in order to diversify the imitation in the work. Another aspect of this imitation is the choice of the poet to make it “of a higher or of a lower type” in order to establish the morality of the character (II). To even further personalize the work, Aristotle explains that the poet must define “the manner in which each of these objects may be imitated” (III). This refers to first, second, and third person narration. In this way the poet
A square may be a rectangle, but a rectangle may never be a square. This idea is not complex, however when it is applies in Aristotle’s Poetics to the Greek Epics and Tragedies, it is suddenly not only applicable in an arithmetic context, but it gives a relevant and true breakdown of the commonalities and different components within these genres of literature. Within these poetics, Aristotle explicates the difference between an Epic and a Tragedy and defines the structure in which these must be composed. Not only does he articulate the manner in which this must be done, but he holds the poet accountable for each artistic choice and their adherence or diversion from this structure he has so clearly outlined. This, in turn, enables Aristotle to irrefutably classify a work as an Epic or a Tragedy based on its structure and motivation.
Aristotle first addresses the concept that Epic poetry and all that derives from it are imitations of man. He explains that no work is completely original, and each idea, unusual or mundane, must have been extracted from a preceding idea. This imitation “is produced by rhythm, language, or ‘harmony,’ either singly or combined” (Aristotle I). It is then the task of the poet to create a piece that satisfies the structure Aristotle has provided, the audience, and as the poet himself. The author must incorporate rhythm, tune, and meter and employ them singularly in order for the work to be classified a Tragic work. These things are incorporated into the poem in order to diversify the imitation in the work. Another aspect of this imitation is the choice of the poet to make it “of a higher or of a lower type” in order to establish the morality of the character (II). To even further personalize the work, Aristotle explains that the poet must define “the manner in which each of these objects may be imitated” (III). This refers to first, second, and third person narration. In this way the poet
Cited: "Aristotle - Poetics." LibertyOnline® Home Page. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Aristotle/Poetics-Body.html>.