Poetry is mimetic in that it creates a representation of objects and events in the world, unlike philosophy, for example, which presents ideas. Humans are naturally drawn to imitation, and so poetry has a strong pull on us. It can also be an excellent learning device Definition of poetry by Aristotle

Imitation According to Aristotle  Mankind imitates from childhood and on. This is done primarily as a way of learning, of acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary

art's imitative tendencies are expressed in one of three ways a poet attempts to portray our world as it is as we think it isas it ought to be

Aristotle wrote two Types of books A book addressed To general readers exoteric A book addressed To philosophers and Specialists esoteric

Aristotle’s works Divided into Theoretical Sciences Maths, metaphysics Astronomy…etc Practical Sciences Politics and ethics Productive Sciences Carpentry…etc

Aristotle’s method What exactly is A piece of literature Functions of the Literary work How does it work

A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;... Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy 1. Serious means that a good tragedy deals with one issue that is very “serious.” it is not possible to have a tragedy about something Trivial. 2. Magnitude means very important. 3. Complete in itself means that the play must stick to one issue; otherwise, the audience will get lost in the plot. It should have beginning, middle, and end. 4. “in appropriate and pleasurable language:” Ancient Greek tragedy had a chorus whose role was to comment on the action of the play. The chorus sometimes sang their part. Aristotle said that the language should be easy to listen to. It should have rhythm and also good harmony for the lines that were sung

5. “in a dramatic rather than narrative form;” To narrate a story is simply to tell the story, In a play, the story must be dramatized or a acted out. 6. “with incidents arousing pity and fear,” In a tragedy, the events or episodes in the play should lead the audience to feel very sorry for the main character--the tragic hero. The audience should also feel afraid for the hero as he moves toward a destructive end. 7. “wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.” As the play moves along, the events should build up the emotions of pity and fear. A catharsis is a purging, or cleansing of the emotions --a release of tension. In a tragedy, this is often a moment o f revelation when the tragic hero “falls flat on his face,” and the audience can finally “explode.” in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.”

The Poetics Imitation means The imitation of men in action Things imitated Differ in Medium The painter uses Colors and the poet Uses words Object Men in action, a Process having Beginning, middle, And end Manner (the way) in Which they do it tragedy About a serious Subject. It must have a tragic figure it must have profound consequences involving people whose fate affects many beyond themselves excite pity and fear High stature Must have A tragic flaw Proud and ambitious

Elements of Drama Plot Simple having Beginning Middle end Events must lead naturally to what follows complex Reversal Change in status. Accused becomes Accuser Or bad to good Recognition Change from Ignorance to knowledge character goodness propriety truthfulness to lifeconsistency Thought Verbal expression Language MusicSpectacles

PlatoAristotle EpistemologicalStudy of the grounds, nature, and origins of knowledge and the limits of human understanding. It deals with issues such as how knowledge is derived and how it should be tested and validatedStudygroundsknowledgelimits dealsissues Ontological (chain of being, existence) inductive Art is thrice removed from truth and a product of futile ignorance. Poetry is philosophic- its statements are universal truths. The poet is a possessed creature. Many tales should not be permitted. It is up to the poet to devise the right way of treating a myth. Overlooked poetic form.Sensitive to poetic form. Poetry encourages the `irrational’.Purges the soul of pity and fear.