Aristotle Greek philosopher

Aristotle

Writer's Introduction

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who lived from 384 to 322 BCE and is known for his ethical writings as well as his works on rhetoric and poetics. His theory of poetics has become the foundation for literary criticism, and his sayings about poetry are still relevant today.

Aristotle and Poetry 

Aristotle infers that poetry had the power to move the audience emotionally, and he wrote extensively about the various aspects of poetry. He argued that the goal of poetry is to arouse emotion in the audience, and he developed a system of analysis to evaluate the success of a poem.
According to Aristotle poem should have unity and a clear structure, with each part contributing to the overall effect. He also identified three components that all great poetry should contain: diction, thought, and emotion.

Moreover, Aristotle infers that poetry should have a purpose. He argued that it should be composed to educate or inspire its audience and that it should have a moral or ethical point. He believed that the best poetry was the kind that moved its readers to take action and that it should ultimately lead to a better society.

Aristotle Believed 

Aristotle also believed that the structure of poetry was important in achieving its goals. He argued that the structure of a poem should be based on three elements: plot, character, and thought. He believed that a poem should be composed of different elements that are arranged in a way that will create a unified effect. He called this process "unity of action".

In addition to his thoughts on structure, Aristotle also had a great deal to say about the use of language in poetry. He argued that the use of metaphors and similes was essential for creating a successful poem, and he believed that these should be used to convey a deeper meaning. He also believed that rhythm and meter were important and that they should be used to create an emotional effect and to add to the beauty of the poem.

The Poetics(c.335 BC)

Introduction

The Poetics (c. 335 BC), a treatise written by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, is a foundational text of Western philosophy and literature. It is one of the earliest surviving works on the nature of art and its role in human life. In Poetics, Aristotle examines the different types of poetry, the effects of tragedy, and the importance of imitation in the creation of art.

In poetics, Aristotle defines poetry as the “imitation of an action.” He divides poetry into two types:
• Epic
• Tragedy.

Epic poetry is a narrative form, told in verse with a grand, sweeping story.

Tragedy, on the other hand, is a shorter form that follows a character’s journey, usually ending in disaster. Aristotle believes that tragedy is the most effective form of art because it can produce the emotions of pity and fear in its audience.

Structure Of Tragedy

Aristotle also discusses the structure of tragedy, noting the importance of plot, character, and diction. He argues that a successful tragedy should have a well-crafted plot that moves the audience to the climax, characters that are believable and sympathetic, and diction that is appropriate for the situation.

Role Of Imitation In Art 

Aristotle also examines the role of imitation in art. He argues that the artist must be able to imitate reality in order to create something meaningful. Imitation, he says, is a form of learning, and the artist must be able to observe and understand the world in order to create art that can move and inspire its audience.

Conclusion 

Aristotle's writings on poetry and criticism have been an invaluable resource for generations of authors, and his influence is still felt in the works of contemporary writers. Yet, the ideas are timeless, and his contributions to the world of literature will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
The Poetics (c. 335 BC) by Aristotle is a seminal work that has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and literature. It examines the different types of poetry, the effects of tragedy, and the importance of imitation in the creation of art.