Aristotle poetics

 This blog is a task which is given by professor /Dr Barad sir 

Introduction

Aristotle was a great Greek philosopher. He wrote many important books, and one of them is called "Poetics." In this book, Aristotle talks about poetry, drama, and how stories should be written. He explains what makes a good tragedy, how characters should behave, and why people enjoy watching plays and reading stories.

Who is Aristotles

Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers and thinkers in history. He lived in ancient Greece from 384 BCE to 322 BCE. He was a student of Plato and later became the teacher of Alexander the Great.


Definition of Poetry

Aristotle explains that poetry is an imitation of life. Poets imitate human actions, emotions, and events through words, rhythm, and harmony.

Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy 

"Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain length. It is expressed in beautiful language, performed through action (not narration), and its purpose is to bring about the emotions of pity and fear, leading to the purification of those emotions ."
Aristotle, in his work "Poetics," discusses different types of poetry based on form, style, and purpose. According to him, poetry can be classified into the following main types:

1. Epic Poetry 
Form: Long narrative poems.
Language: Elevated and formal.
Example: Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Purpose: To narrate heroic deeds and historical events.

2. Tragedy
Form: Dramatic poetry performed on stage.
Focus: Serious, noble actions leading to the downfall of a great person.
Purpose: Catharsis.
Example: Sophocles' Oedipus Rex.

3.Comedy 
Form: Dramatic poetry with a humorous tone.
Focus: Ordinary characters, mistakes, and social satire.
Purpose: To entertain and correct social flaws through laughter.
Example: Aristophanes' plays.

Aristotles  Focus on Tragedy in Poetics

Aristotle pays special attention to tragedy in his book Poetics, because he believed it to be the highest and most impactful form of poetry. Here’s a detailed look at his ideas:

Definition of Tragedy (According to Aristotle)

"Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude, in language embellished with artistic ornaments, performed rather than narrated, arousing pity and fear, and bringing about the catharsis of such emotions."

Key Elements of Tragedy

1. Serious Action
2. Complete Story
3. Certain Magnitude
4. Language with Ornament
5. Dramatic Performance
6. Catharsis

Elements of Tragedy

In his book "Poetics," Aristotle identifies six essential elements of tragedy. These parts work together to create the emotional and dramatic effect of a tragedy.

Brief information 

1. Plot 

The structure of events or actions in the play
Should have a beginning, middle, and end
Complex plots include
Peripeteia, Anagnorisis , Catastrophe 

2. Character 

The persons involved in the plot
The tragic hero should be,Noble but flawed.
Cause their own downfall partly by mistake or weaknes.

3. Thought 

The themes, ideas, and moral lessons of the play.Shows the reasoning and messages behind characters’actions.Expresses universal truths.

4. Diction 

The choice of words and language style.Use of poetic and artistic expressions.Must suit the characters and situations.

5. Melody or Song

The musical elements of tragedy.Includes chorus songs, background music, and rhythm.Creates emotional atmosphere.

Hamartia (Tragic Flaw) 

Definition

Hamartia is a Greek word that means "error," "mistake," or "tragic flaw."

In Aristotles Poetics, hamartia is a key part of the tragic hero's downfall.Aristotles idea of hamartia teaches us that tragedy is not about evil people suffering, but about good people making fatal mistakes. This is what makes tragedy powerful and emotional.








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