Poetics Paperback - 1997
by Aristotle; Malcolm Heath (Translator)
In one of the most perceptive and influential works of criticism in Western literary history, third century B.C. Greek philosopher Aristotle examines the literature of his time, describing the origins of poetry as an imitative art and drawing attention to the distinctions between comedy and tragedy. Aristotle helped establish the foundations of Western philosophy, and his influence is evident in philosophical thought today.
Summary
‘The plot is the source and the soul of tragedy’
In his near-contemporary account of Greek tragedy, Aristotle examines the dramatic elements of plot, character, language and spectacle that combine to produce pity and fear in the audience, and asks why we derive pleasure from this apparently painful process. Taking examples from the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, the Poetics introduces into literary criticism such central concepts as mimesis (‘imitation’), hamartia (‘error’), and katharsis (‘purification’). Aristotle explains how the most effective tragedies rely on complication and resolution, recognition and reversals, centring on characters of heroic stature, idealized yet true to life. One of the most powerful, perceptive and influential works of criticism in Western literary history, the Poetics has informed serious thinking about drama ever since.
Malcolm Heath’s lucid English translation makes the Poetics fully accessible to the modern reader. It is accompanied by an extended introduction, which discusses the key concepts in detail and includes suggestions for further reading.
First line
Aristotle was much admired in the ancient world for the elegance and clarity of his style.
From the rear cover
Aristotle's Poetics is one of the most powerful, perceptive and influential works of criticism in Western literary history. A penetrating, near-contemporary account of Greek tragedy, it demonstrates how the elements of plot, character and spectacle combine to produce 'pity and fear' - and why we derive pleasure from this apparently painful process. It introduces the crucial concepts of mimesis ('imitation'), hamartia ('error') and katharsis, which have informed serious thinking about drama ever since. It examines the mythological heroes, idealized yet true to life, whom Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides brought on to the stage. And it explains how the most effective plays rely on complication and resolution, recognitions and reversals. Essential reading for all students of Greek literature and of the many Renaissance and post-Renaissance writers who consciously adopted Aristotle as a model, the Poetics is equally stimulating for anyone interested in theatre today.
Details
- Title Poetics
- Author Aristotle; Malcolm Heath (Translator)
- Binding Paperback
- Edition [ Edition: Repri
- Pages 144
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Penguin Group, London
- Date 1997-03-01
- ISBN 9780140446364 / 0140446362
- Weight 0.27 lbs (0.12 kg)
- Dimensions 7.92 x 5.04 x 0.36 in (20.12 x 12.80 x 0.91 cm)
- Ages 18 to UP years
- Grade levels 13 - UP
- Reading level 1410
-
Themes
- Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
- Cultural Region: Greece
- Library of Congress subjects Poetry, Aesthetics
- Library of Congress Catalog Number 97138026
- Dewey Decimal Code 808.2
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