A Brief History &The Poetics

HistoryBorn 384 BCEStudent of Plato347 Moved onAlexander the GreatSchool at Lyceum Death of Alexander in 323/ Aristotle EscapesDeath 322

Major WorksLogicPhysical worksPsychological worksWorks on Natural HistoryPhilosophical Works

Poetics

The Poetics

Lies = detriment to societyTherefore Imitation is a

detriment to Society

Untrue = Lie

False = Untrue

Society Says

Imitations = False

CatharsisIs necessary for good

health

Learning

Is a great pleasure for everyone.

Aristotle Says

Imitation is natural and is way to learn

Comedy•Action: Funny, “human weakness,” Fanciful.

•Characters: Common People

•Plot: Unexpected events, end is happy

•Focus: Teach a lesson about human limitation

Catharsis & Education through empathy.

Tragedy•Action: Serious, actual doings, “high importance’

•Characters: Unique People

•Plot: Unity, logical events, end is suitable

•Focus: Nobility of humans, Freedom, knowledge, love

Catharsis: education through imitation

Tragic Elements: Hero•Man•Noble or Upper Class or Elevated•End up dead or Fundamentally changed•Flaw

Tragic Elements: FallEncounter great forcesTry to go against a set rule or norm

Personal character trait

Tragic Elements : PlotRealizationFallResolution