Aristotle's Poetics

In Aristotle’s Poetics he studies poetry by analyzing and drawing conclusions of its general parts. A big portion he mainly targets is the forms of tragedy and epic poetry. He defines poetry as the mimetic, or imitative, use of language, rhythm, and harmony, separately or in combination.  Aristotle concludes that poetry has a strong connection and natural pull on humans, because we tend to be drawn to imitation and its mimetic nature. He says that Tragedy is composed of 7 characteristics, it is mimetic, serious, tells a full story, contains rhythm and harmony, rhythm and harmony occur in different combinations in different parts of the tragedy, its performed rather than narrated, and it brings feelings of pity and fear then be rids these feelings through catharsis. It also contains six components that are as follows: plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. While tragedy is presented in a dramatic form, epic poetry is presented in a narrative form. Both versions of poetry hold common qualities but are most different in their ways of plot and unity of the poetry. An epic poetry can be a long story with action. It is creative with wide boundaries; however, a tragedy is performed dramatically and is more concise with much action.

I agree with all Aristotle says about poetry, however, I would say it is more of an art than what he observes. As opposed to the scientific ways Aristotle and analyses, I believe to more successfully depict what poetry exactly is as a whole Aristotle should have admired the aesthetic nature of poetry in addition to its order. His scientific approach works to identify the objective, law-like behaviors that underlay the writing. By doing this he is able to draw conclusions about the nature of poetry and how it achieves its effects. Aristotle’s concept of mimesis, I saw, explained what is distinguishing about our understanding of art. Poetry is mimetic, it relates to humans on a much more personal term than any philosophical writing would. Poetry mimetically also allows us to imagine the subject matters as realistic concepts while at the same time being able to recognize it’s fiction.