Aristotle's Poetics

 

Aristotle's Poetics is a foundational work of literary theory, primarily focusing on tragedy and epic poetry. Written around 335 BCE, it aims to understand the nature and elements of successful poetic art, particularly as a response to Plato's criticisms of poetry.

At its core, Aristotle argues that all poetry is a form of mimesis, or imitation. He posits that humans have a natural inclination to imitate, and that learning through imitation brings pleasure. Poetic forms differ in their medium (language, rhythm, harmony), their objects of imitation (characters better, worse, or similar to us), and their mode of imitation (narrative or dramatic).

Aristotle dissects tragedy as the highest form of mimetic art. He defines tragedy as "an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions." This "purgation" is known as catharsis, a key concept suggesting that tragedy cleanses the audience's emotions of pity and fear, leading to a sense of relief or understanding.

He identifies six essential components of a good tragedy, in order of importance:

1. Plot (Mythos): The most crucial element. A well-constructed plot must have a beginning, middle, and end, with events logically or probabilistically connected. It should ideally be complex, featuring peripeteia (reversal of fortune) and anagnorisis (recognition or discovery), often occurring simultaneously for maximum impact. The best plots depict a change from happiness to misery due to a tragic flaw (hamartia) in a character who is not perfectly virtuous but relatable.
2. Character (Ethos): Characters should be good, appropriate, realistic, and consistent. Their actions and decisions should be morally revealing and contribute to the plot.
3. Thought (Dianoia): The intellectual element, encompassing the arguments, speeches, and general reasoning expressed by the characters.
4. Diction (Lexis): The choice and arrangement of words, emphasizing clarity and appropriate language. A balance between ordinary and ornamental words is ideal.
5. Song (Melos): The musical element of the chorus, contributing to the emotional impact.
6. Spectacle (Opsis): The visual elements of the production, such as scenery and costumes. While impactful, Aristotle considers it the least artistic part, as it relies more on the stagecraft than the poet's skill.

Aristotle also compares tragedy to epic poetry, noting similarities in their imitation of noble characters and serious actions. However, he argues tragedy is superior due to its greater unity, concentrated effect, and direct dramatic presentation. Poetics profoundly influenced Western literary criticism, establishing benchmarks for storytelling and dramatic structure that continue to resonate today.