1.3 Major figures and works in the Classical tradition

Classical Poetics celebrates the literary giants who shaped Western literature. From Homer's epic tales to Aristotle's critical theories, these figures laid the foundation for centuries of artistic expression.

Their works, like Virgil's Aeneid and Sophocles' tragedies, continue to inspire. By studying their techniques and ideas, we gain insight into the enduring power of storytelling and poetic craft.

Greek Philosophers and Critics

Aristotle's Contributions to Literary Theory

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• Aristotle developed foundational concepts in literary criticism and poetics
• Wrote Poetics, a seminal work on dramatic theory and literary analysis
• Introduced the concept of mimesis, the imitation of nature in art and literature
• Defined tragedy as an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude
• Established the three unities for drama: time, place, and action
• Proposed the concept of catharsis, the purging of emotions through tragedy

Longinus and the Concept of the Sublime

• Longinus authored On the Sublime, a treatise on literary criticism
• Explored the concept of the sublime in literature, focusing on elevated language and thoughts
• Identified five sources of sublimity: great thoughts, strong emotions, figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified word arrangement
• Emphasized the importance of passion and inspiration in creating powerful literature
• Influenced later Romantic and modern literary critics with his ideas on emotional impact

Key Works and Their Influence

• Poetics by Aristotle remains a cornerstone text in literary theory and criticism
• Explores various genres of poetry, focusing primarily on tragedy and epic poetry
• Introduces concepts like plot structure, character development, and dramatic unity
• On the Sublime by Longinus examines the elements that create powerful, moving literature
• Discusses techniques for achieving sublimity in writing, including the use of vivid imagery and emotional appeal
• Both works have significantly shaped Western literary criticism and continue to influence modern literary analysis

Roman Poets and Critics

Horace's Contributions to Literary Theory

• Horace wrote Ars Poetica, a didactic poem on the art of poetry
• Emphasized the importance of decorum, the appropriate style for each genre
• Advocated for careful composition and revision in poetry writing
• Introduced the concept of ut pictura poesis, comparing poetry to painting
• Stressed the dual purpose of poetry: to instruct and to delight readers
• Influenced later Renaissance and Neoclassical literary critics with his principles

Virgil's Literary Achievements and Influence

• Virgil authored the Aeneid, a national epic poem of Rome
• Modeled his work on Homer's epics, adapting Greek literary traditions to Roman culture
• Developed the concept of pietas, a sense of duty to gods, country, and family
• Influenced later epic poets and established a model for Christian allegory in literature
• Explored themes of fate, duty, and the costs of empire-building in his works
• Mastered the use of dactylic hexameter, the traditional meter of epic poetry

Key Concepts in Roman Literary Criticism

• Ars Poetica by Horace outlines principles for effective poetry and drama
• Emphasizes unity, coherence, and appropriateness in literary composition
• Introduces the concept of in medias res, beginning a narrative in the middle of the action
• Roman critics often focused on the practical aspects of rhetoric and persuasion
• Developed the idea of imitatio, the creative imitation of earlier masterpieces
• Emphasized the moral and didactic functions of literature in society

Greek Playwrights and Poets

Homer's Epic Poetry and Its Legacy

• Homer composed the Iliad and the Odyssey, foundational works of Western literature
• Established conventions of epic poetry, including invocation of the Muse and epic similes
• Developed complex, multi-layered narratives with interconnected plot lines
• Created archetypal characters that have influenced literature for centuries (Achilles, Odysseus)
• Explored themes of heroism, fate, and the relationship between mortals and gods
• Utilized formulaic language and epithets to aid in oral composition and memorization

Sophocles and the Development of Tragedy

• Sophocles wrote influential tragedies, including Oedipus Rex and Antigone
• Introduced the third actor to Greek drama, allowing for more complex plots
• Developed the concept of tragic irony, where the audience knows more than the characters
• Explored themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of human actions
• Created complex, psychologically nuanced characters (Oedipus, Antigone)
• Influenced later dramatists and established many conventions of tragic drama

Euripides and Innovation in Greek Drama

• Euripides wrote numerous tragedies, including Medea and The Bacchae
• Challenged traditional mythological interpretations and societal norms in his plays
• Focused on the psychological motivations of characters, especially women and outsiders
• Introduced more realistic dialogue and explored the darker aspects of human nature
• Experimented with plot structure, often using deus ex machina to resolve conflicts
• Influenced later realist and psychological drama, as well as feminist interpretations of myth