Aristotle's Poetics :
The Foundation of Literary Criticism.
This blog is written as part of the Sunday Reading task given to us by Professor Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. The purpose of this task is to deepen our engagement with literature and critical thought by reading selected materials and then responding to them through blog writing. This initiative encourages us to build consistent creading habits and sharpen our analytical skills by reflecting on what we’ve read.
Aristotle’s Poetics is one of the earliest and most influential works of literary theory in the Western tradition. Written in the 4th century BCE, it provides a systematic analysis of tragedy and other forms of poetry. While Plato distrusted poetry for its emotional power and lack of moral purpose, Aristotle defended art, especially tragedy, as a way to purge emotions and promote understanding.
Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy
In his work Poetics, Aristotle 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."
Key Elements in Aristotle’s Definition:
1. Imitation of Action : Art imitates real life.
2. Serious and Complete: The story must deal with significant issues and have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
3. Certain Magnitude: The plot must be meaningful and impactful.
4. Embellished Language: Use of poetic or artistic language.
5. Dramatic Form: Shown through actions on stage, not just told.
6. Catharsis: The emotional effect on the audience—relief through pity and fear.
Deep Dive: Key Concepts in Aristotle’s Poetics
Six Elements of Tragedy
Aristotle identifies six essential elements that make up a successful tragedy:
Element Description
1. Plot (Mythos) The most important element; the sequence of events and their cause-effect relationships.
2. Character (Ethos) The personalities in the story, especially the tragic hero who drives the plot.
3. Thought (Dianoia) The themes, ideas, and moral messages explored in the tragedy.
4. Diction (Lexis) The choice of language, dialogue, and poetic devices.
5. Melody (Melos) Musical elements and rhythm (important in Greek drama, like chorus).
6. Spectacle (Opsis) Visual effects, stage design, and presentation—considered the least artistic by Aristotle.
Tragedies That Follow Aristotle's Tradition
During a typical B.A. literature program, you may study plays that follow the Aristotelian model, such as:
Othello by William Shakespeare
Tragic Hero: Othello
Hamartia: Jealousy and trust in Iago
Catharsis: Audience feels pity for Othello’s downfall
Unity: Chain of events caused by misunderstanding and manipulation
Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Tragic Hero: Dr. Faustus
Hamartia: Ambition and thirst for forbidden knowledge
Peripeteia: Realization of the cost of his deal with Lucifer
Catharsis: Audience witnesses moral downfall and eternal punishment.
Structure of the Ideal Tragic Plot
According to Aristotle, a well-structured tragedy should include:
Exposition – Introduction of setting, characters, and background
Rising Action – Events leading to the conflict
Climax – The turning point or crisis
Falling Action – Events resulting from the climax
Denouement/Catastrophe– Final resolution, often involving the hero’s downfall.
Final Thought
Aristotle’s Poetics is not just about ancient Greek drama—it is about how stories reflect and shape our lives. Whether you're analyzing a tragedy, watching a film, or writing a novel, Poetics helps you see the deep structure behind human storytelling.
Conclusion:
Aristotle’s Poetics remains a cornerstone of literary criticism and dramatic theory, even more than two thousand years after it was written. His systematic approach to analyzing tragedy—as a structured and purposeful imitation of life—has not only shaped classical drama but continues to influence modern literature, theatre, and film.
At the heart of Poetics lies a deep respect for storytelling as a tool to explore human nature, morality, and emotion. Unlike Plato, who viewed poetry as deceptive and emotionally dangerous, Aristotle valued tragedy for its educational and psychological impact. His concept of catharsis explains why people are drawn to tragic stories—not for sadness, but for emotional purification and insight.
Reference:
Aristotle's poetics
Khushi Parmar,MA English, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar.
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