Introduction to Literary Criticism

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What primary quality does Aeschylus represent in his works?

Democratic ideals

Martial prowess (correct)

Plain-speaking style

Common life depiction

How does Euripides' approach to poetry differ from Aeschylus'?

He allows characters from all classes to speak. (correct)

He avoids teaching moral codes.

He focuses on lofty language.

He incorporates scenes of warfare.

Which of the following is an accusation that Aeschylus makes against Euripides?

Using humanistic themes.

Simplifying complex concepts.

Employing a majestic style.

Promoting debauchery and scandal. (correct)

What does Aeschylus claim is the role of poets in society?

To inspire manly passions for warfare. Signup and view all the answers

What critique does Euripides offer regarding Aeschylus' style?

It is bombastic and repetitive. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphorical evidence is used to compare the styles of Aeschylus and Euripides?

A pair of scales. Signup and view all the answers

What subjects did poets like Orpheus, Hesiod, and Homer cover in their works, as mentioned by Aeschylus?

Religious, agricultural, and military themes. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does Euripides claim to improve through his poetry?

Public reasoning and citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

What historical event coincided with the first recorded instances of criticism?

The Peloponnesian War Signup and view all the answers

What role did the audience's literacy play in Aristophanes’ time?

It enabled them to understand allusions to previous literary works. Signup and view all the answers

In Aristophanes' play 'The Frogs', who is the judge presiding over the trial?

Dionysus Signup and view all the answers

What central theme is presented in the plot of 'The Frogs'?

The lack of good poets in the contemporary era Signup and view all the answers

Why is general reading of a poem important for understanding it?

It helps to identify the poet's intentions and themes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristophanes suggest about contemporary dramatists in 'The Frogs'?

They are undermining their own art. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'critical debate' in Aristophanes' play signifies what?

A deliberation on literary quality and standards. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of dramatic festivals in ancient Athens?

To require an official judgment of the best drama. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the true poet that Athens needed?

To provide advice on political issues Signup and view all the answers

What did Aeschylus suggest was Athens' true source of wealth?

Her fleet Signup and view all the answers

How does the chorus describe Aeschylus?

A keen intelligent mind Signup and view all the answers

What issue does the play The Frogs primarily address?

The political and cultural dilemmas of Athens Signup and view all the answers

What contrasting viewpoint is highlighted in the chorus regarding Socrates?

Philosophy lacked practical significance Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Aeschylus perform a patriotic service to Athens?

By calling for a return to martial values Signup and view all the answers

How did the ancient Greeks view poetry in relation to education?

As central to the educational process Signup and view all the answers

What type of debate does The Frogs represent in literary history?

A literary-critical debate Signup and view all the answers

What defined democracy according to Pericles during his funeral oration?

Power in the hands of 'the whole people' with equality before the law. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the first major confrontation between Athens and Persia?

Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Delian League formed by Athens?

To liberate Greek cities in Asia Minor from Persian rule. Signup and view all the answers

What significant cultural developments occurred in Athens during its period of power and prosperity?

The staging of tragic plays by playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what defines man as a 'political animal'?

His engagement in social and public life within a polis. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Greeks differentiate themselves from non-Greeks?

By their political structure of the polis. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Pericles play during the years of Athenian prosperity?

Dominant political figure influencing Athenian governance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the view of scholars regarding man's nature in the context of the polis?

Man's very being is social and oriented towards public life. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major outcome of pan-Hellenism according to Nagy?

The establishment of poetry as a universal expression of truth Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of the poet change with the advent of pan-Hellenism?

From a storyteller of local myths to a purveyor of universal truths Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'aletheia' refer to in the context of Nagy's discussion?

The convergence of features drawn from different myths Signup and view all the answers

What role did Alexandrian scholarship play in the development of literary canon?

It created a basis for literary criticism and judgment of texts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes the concept of mimesis as discussed by Nagy?

The reenactment and imitation of mythological events Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the term 'canon' in the context of Greek poetry?

It distinguished the works that were recognized as classics Signup and view all the answers

How does Nagy associate the word 'mousa' with the concept of truth?

Both denote a connection to wisdom from the past and present Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the standardization of literary ideals on Greek poetry?

The emergence of a traditional canon of fixed lyric compositions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of poetry as discussed in the content?

To serve as a universal repository of myth and truth. Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of mimesis evolve in the context of performance?

It was maintained as an authoritative ethic of exact performance. Signup and view all the answers

What influence did education have on the concept of text in poetry?

It allowed texts to be seen as sample pieces for imitation. Signup and view all the answers

By Plato's time, which form of poetry had become the main medium?

Tragedy as the craft of poetry par excellence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is mentioned as a significant intellectual current influencing Plato and Aristotle?

Sophistic thought from fifth-century Athens. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major focus of the Sophists and rhetoricians during Plato's time?

Training in public debate and effective speaking. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of myth in the context of mimesis and poetry?

It was established as a universal and timeless aspect. Signup and view all the answers

What does the authoritative concept of performance in poetry imply?

It promises exactness over adaptation for an audience. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Questions About Criticism

Importance of studying criticism: Understanding criticism helps to interpret and appreciate literary works better.
Origin of the word "criticism": Tracing the roots to dramatic contests in ancient Athens, where judging authorial merit was integral. The word relates to poetry as a form of artistic evaluation.
Importance of general reading: Understanding a poem requires contextual knowledge, recognizing allusions to prior works, and grasping the poet's use of literary terms.

First Recorded Instances of Criticism

Ancient Athens: Dramatic festivals acted as contests, where judging the best dramas was paramount.
The Frogs (Aristophanes): A play showcasing literary criticism, which was relevant to the Athenian public's understanding of art. The play occurred just before the Peloponnesian War.
Athenian Literacy: Athenian citizens were highly literate, adept at understanding allusions and literary terms in prior works, making criticism a necessary part of public life.

Critical Debate in Aristophanes' The Frogs

Debate between Euripides and Aeschylus: A contest to determine which was a better poet, based on contemporary values and standards of drama.
Comic portrayal: Dionysus portrays a comedic journey to the underworld to judge the poets' worth
Different Literary Styles: Aeschylus represents the older, traditional style, while Euripides is the voice of a newer, democratic style. The play contrasts the two approaches to drama.
Public Nature of Criticism: Literary criticism in this era was closely tied to entertainment, education, religious, and political values and concerns. It was meant to be a part of public life, educating and entertaining people.
Erudition of the audience: The play's chorus praises the audience for their well-informed insights to assist in deciding on the best playwright.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the foundations of literary criticism, its origins in ancient Athens, and its significance in understanding art and poetry. This quiz covers key historical instances, like Aristophanes' 'The Frogs', and emphasizes the importance of context in literary appreciation.