Poetics

Aristotle. Aristotelis De arte poetica liber. Kassel, Rudolf, editor. Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press, 1965 (printing).

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This work by Aristotle defines the essence of poetry as "imitation" (mimesis) and systematically analyzes the dramatic structures and techniques of various genres, especially tragedy and epic. First, it classifies the literary arts based on the differences in their medium, object, and mode of imitation, tracing the historical development of poetry and the origins of tragedy and comedy. It then defines tragedy and identifies its six constituent elements, arguing that the plot (mythos), grounded in causal necessity, is the most critical element of the work's essence. Furthermore, it details the requirements of a superior plot, including elements like reversal (peripeteia) and recognition (anagnorisis), tight unity, and the conditions necessary to evoke pity and fear. In the latter half, the discussion moves to practical guidelines for composition, rules of poetic diction and metaphor, and the structure of epic poetry as exemplified by Homer. Finally, after presenting solutions to various criticisms, the treatise concludes by demonstrating that tragedy is superior to epic poetry in its condensed unity and artistic effect.