Lilli Geltman, Emilie Quenensse, Joanna Forman Mr. Schurtz English AP 12/Period 1 Raphael 4 February 2010

The Study of Aristotles Poetics

Joanna Forman

Poetics

Stenudd.com

Core ConceptsThe rise in the art of poetry stems from the natural desire for people to imitate one another Poetry can take three forms: Comedy, tragedy and epic poetry

Although comedy, tragedy and epic poetry have similarities, there have vast differences In tragedy, plot is a key focus

The Importance of PlotAccording to Aristotle plot is the most important thing when it comes to tragedy Plot is the soul of tragedy

Without action there cannot be tragedy and character development is hard

Wicknet.org

Plot Structure Definition Arrangement

of an incident

A

strong structure is crucial Must

end

have a beginning, middle, and an

Epeisodic

plots and actions should be

avoided

Plot Structure (cont.) Reversal

of situation and recognition should fit into the structure of a tragic plot Plots can be either simple or complex Complex

plots generally contain a reversal of situation and recognition

Although

not necessary in structure a plotline, scene of suffering improves the events

Thoughts on Comedy

Comedy comes from the work called Margites

Sicily was also credited with creating Comedy

Aristotle defined comedy as the imitation of cheaper, more ordinary persons (Aristotle 8)

In comparison to the tragedy, actions in comedies are far

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Influence on Literature

During the Renaissance period, Aristotles writings became very popular His views on plot and the ways literature could present moral values became of great interest to them

Some examples come from the texts of Thomas Sebillet and Jean

B l o m s Li ra ry R e fe re n ce O n l n e o te i fo fw e b . co m

Lilli Geltman

Tragic Hero

Definition.

Definition: a literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on a tragedy

The Element of Character

Four things to be aimed at

1. 2.Good if the purpose is good 3.Propriety 4.True to life 5.Consistency

The element of character cont. moral axis of drama affect on other characters

What is CATHARSIS

-origin -definition -importance

Catharsis effect in tragedy

-historical overview -Socrates used Catharsis as well

Catharsis effect in tragedy cont. The Morally

release of emotions improve or destroy relationships

Works Cited

Aristotle. The Poetics of Aristotle. Trans. Preston H Epps. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1970. Print. "Catharsis ." Encyclopedia Britannica eb.com . Encyclopedia Britannica , n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. . "Catharsis ." New World Encycopedia . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. . Golden, Leon. "Catharsis ." JSTOR. N.p., 1962. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. . Grendler, Paul F., Ed. "Literature." Renaissance: An Encyclopedia for Students. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2004. p21-25. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. . Stenudd, Stefan. "Aristotle's Poetics." Stenudd. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. .

Works Cited Pictures

"Aristotle." Library of Congress. Rare Book and Special Collections Division. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp? ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= LitImage0645&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 3, 2010). Aristotle. N.d. Gallery of the Greats. Web. 3 Feb. 2010. . Aristotle's Poetics. N.d. Stenudd. Web. 3 Feb. 2010. . Hadjimichail, Theophilos. Erotokritos & Aretousa. 1930. Crete - Kreta. Web. 3 Feb. 2010. . Raphael. Plato and Aristotle. 1510. Oil on Canvas.