Neo-Classical Criticism - Dr. Samuel Johnson’s Preface to Shakespeare (1765)

The Brief History of Aristotle's 'Poetics'

Aristotle (384-322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher and polymath whose work has profoundly influenced various fields, including philosophy, science, politics, ethics, and literature. Born in Stagira, a small town in northern Greece, he was a student of Plato and later became the tutor of Alexander the Great. His contributions laid the foundation for much of Western intellectual thought.

Early Life and Education:

- Aristotle was born to Nicomachus, the court physician to the Macedonian king, which provided him with early exposure to the biological sciences.

- At the age of 17, he moved to Athens to study at Plato's Academy, where he remained for 20 years, both as a student and a teacher.

Philosophical Contributions:

- Logic: Aristotle is known as the "Father of Logic" for developing the syllogistic method, a form of deductive reasoning.

- Metaphysics: His work in metaphysics explores the nature of reality, substance, causality, and the concept of potentiality and actuality.

- Ethics: In his 'Nicomachean Ethics', Aristotle introduces the concept of virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of achieving eudaimonia (flourishing or happiness) through virtuous living.

- Politics: His political treatises, especially 'Politics', analyze different forms of government and propose a vision of a just society.

- Poetics: Aristotle's 'Poetics' is the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory, focusing on the principles of Greek tragedy and epic poetry.

Scientific Contributions:

- Aristotle's work in biology and natural sciences is notable for his systematic observations and classifications of living organisms.

- His writings in physics, astronomy, and psychology laid the groundwork for future scientific inquiry, despite some inaccuracies by modern standards.

Legacy:

- Aristotle’s influence permeates various disciplines, shaping medieval scholarship, Renaissance humanism, and contemporary philosophical thought.

- His comprehensive approach to knowledge, seeking to understand and categorize the natural and human worlds, set a precedent for future intellectual endeavors.

Aristotle's extensive body of work, characterized by its analytical rigor and breadth, continues to be a cornerstone of academic study and intellectual discourse.

Introduction to 'Poetics'

- It was written in the 4th century BCE, Aristotle's 'Poetics' is one of the earliest surviving works of literary theory.

- The work primarily focuses on tragedy but also touches upon other forms of poetry, such as epic poetry and, to a lesser extent, comedy.

Key Concepts

1. Mimesis (Imitation)

- Aristotle posits that all art forms, including literature, are based on imitation.

- Mimesis involves representing life, actions, and human character.

- Different forms of mimesis: medium (language, rhythm, and harmony), objects (actions of men), and manner (narrative or dramatic).

2. Catharsis (Emotional Purification)

- Central to Aristotle’s theory of tragedy.

- Tragedy aims to evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis.

- Catharsis involves the purging or purifying of these emotions, providing emotional relief and renewal.

3. The Six Elements of Tragedy

   - Plot (Mythos): The most crucial element; refers to the arrangement of incidents or events in the story.

     - Must have a beginning, middle, and end.

     - Should be coherent and unified.

   - Character (Ethos): Second in importance; deals with the qualities and moral character of individuals in the play.

     - Characters should be realistic and consistent.

   - Thought (Dianoia): Themes, arguments, and messages conveyed through the characters’ dialogue and actions.

   - Diction (Lexis): The choice of words, language, and style used in the play.

   - Melody (Melopoiia): The musical elements, including the chorus.

   - Spectacle (Opsis): Visual elements such as scenery, costumes, and special effects; are considered the least important.

4. Unity of Plot

- Emphasizes the importance of a single, complete action within the plot.

- Advocates for the unity of time (preferably within a single day) and unity of place (set in a single location).

5. The Tragic Hero

- Typically a person of high status has a hamartia (tragic flaw) that leads to their downfall.

- The downfall is a result of both the hero’s flaw and fate or destiny.

6. Peripeteia and Anagnorisis

   - Peripeteia:  A reversal of fortune where the hero’s situation changes from good to bad.

   - Anagnorisis: A moment of recognition or revelation where the hero gains critical insight, often coinciding with peripeteia.

7. Structure of Tragic Plot

   - Prologue: Introduction to the play.

   - Parodos: Entrance song of the chorus.

   - Episodes: Main scenes where the plot develops through dialogue and action.

   - Stasimon: Choral odes reflecting on the episodes.

   - Exodos: Conclusion leading to the resolution.

Influence and Legacy

1. Foundation of Dramatic Theory

- Aristotle's 'Poetics' is a cornerstone of Western dramatic theory, influencing playwrights, critics, and theorists.

2. Renaissance Revival

- Rediscovered during the Renaissance, shaping the development of Renaissance drama and literary criticism.

3. Neoclassical Criticism

- Influenced 17th and 18th-century neoclassical critics, who emphasized the three unities and the moral function of tragedy.

4. Modern Literary Theory

- Continues to influence contemporary literary criticism and theory, particularly in narrative structure, character development, and emotional impact.

5. Cross-Disciplinary Influence

- Concepts of mimesis and catharsis have influenced fields like psychology, philosophy, and aesthetics.

Criticisms and Debates

1. Interpretation of Catharsis

- Various interpretations of catharsis range from emotional purification to intellectual clarification.

2. Application to Non-Greek Drama

- Some argue that Aristotle’s principles are too focused on Greek tragedy and don’t adequately account for diverse dramatic traditions.

3. Overemphasis on Plot

- Critics question the prioritization of plot over character, arguing character development can be equally or more important.

4. The Incomplete Work

- 'Poetics' is an incomplete text, with much of the section on comedy lost, leading to speculation and reconstruction by scholars.

Conclusion

Aristotle’s 'Poetics' provides a comprehensive framework for understanding Greek tragedy, its structure, and its emotional impact. Its principles have shaped literary theory and criticism for centuries, maintaining relevance and sparking debates in contemporary literary studies.