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