Poetics

By Aristotle

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Description: <p>Poetics (circa 335 BC) by Aristotle is the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory and the first surviving philosophical essay to focus on literary theory. Aristotle divides the art of poetry into three genres: verse drama (to include comedy, tragedy, and the satyr play); lyric poetry; and epic. These genres all share the function of mimesis, or imitation of life, but differ in three ways: 1. Differences in music rhythm, harmony, meter and melody; 2. Difference of goodness in the characters; 3. Difference in how the narrative is presented: telling a story or acting it out.</p> Poetics (circa 335 BC) by Aristotle is the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory and the first surviving philosophical essay to focus on literary theory. Aristotle divides the art of poetry into three genres: verse drama (to include comedy, tragedy, and the satyr play); lyric poetry; and epic. These genres all share the function of mimesis, or imitation of life, but differ in three ways: 1. Differences in music rhythm, harmony, meter and melody; 2. Difference of goodness in the characters; 3. Difference in how the narrative is presented: telling a story or acting it out.