10 Questions
Poetry, as defined by Aristotle, is primarily a form of art that seeks to duplicate or represent life.
True
According to Aristotle, poetry can imitate life in only one way, by representing character.
False
Aristotle includes epic poetry, tragedy, comedy, dithyrambic poetry, and music as different kinds of poetry.
True
In general, poetry imitates life through rhythm, language, and harmony, according to Aristotle.
True
Art must present men as 'better' than they are in life, as true to life, or as 'worse' than they are in life in order to imitate men, according to Aristotle.
True
According to Aristotle, poetry emerged due to man's instinct to imitate things and the instinct for 'harmony' and rhythm.
True
Tragedy began as improvisation and evolved over time into its natural form of dramatic plot, dialogue, and iambic verse.
True
Comedy was initially not taken seriously, but once plot was introduced in Sicily comedic theater, it soon grew into a respected form.
True
Epic poetry only allows one kind of meter and is narrative in form, according to Aristotle.
True
According to Aristotle, poetry imitates 'noble actions,' or the actions of good men, in the form of tragedy.
True
Study Notes
Aristotle's Definition of Poetry
- Poetry is a form of art that seeks to duplicate or represent life.
- Poetry can imitate life by representing character, according to Aristotle.
Kinds of Poetry
- Epic poetry
- Tragedy
- Comedy
- Dithyrambic poetry
- Music
Characteristics of Poetry
- Imitates life through rhythm, language, and harmony.
- Presents men as 'better' than they are in life, as true to life, or as 'worse' than they are in life.
Origins of Poetry and Tragedy
- Poetry emerged due to man's instinct to imitate things and the instinct for 'harmony' and rhythm.
- Tragedy began as improvisation and evolved over time into its natural form of dramatic plot, dialogue, and iambic verse.
Comedy
- Initially not taken seriously, but once plot was introduced in Sicily, comedic theater, it soon grew into a respected form.
Epic Poetry
- Only allows one kind of meter.
- Narrative in form.
Tragedy
- Imitates 'noble actions,' or the actions of good men.
Explore Aristotle's definition of poetry and his outline for The Poetics. Learn about the different kinds of poetry and the essential qualities, the structure necessary for a good poem, and the method of dividing a poem into parts.
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