Aristotle's Poetics and Rhetoric Flashcards
What is the central argument regarding imitation?
Imitation = Learning = Pleasure
This suggests that the act of imitating is foundational to both acquiring knowledge and deriving enjoyment.
List the key terms associated with the central argument.
- Plot
- Character
- Catharsis
- Pity
- Fear
These terms are essential to understanding the concepts discussed in relation to art and literature.
How does Aristotle’s view on poetry differ from Plato’s?
Aristotle disagrees with Plato’s opinion that poetry has little value
Aristotle acknowledges poetry as a form of imitation without moral or intellectual opposition.
What concept does Brecht introduce that challenges traditional views of catharsis?
The ‘alienation effect’
Brecht’s idea suggests that instead of releasing emotions, audiences should channel them into meaningful change.
What does De Stael argue about the sequence of events in poetry?
Events should succeed each other reasonably (logically or likely)
This emphasizes the importance of logical progression in narrative structure.
What is the tragic effect according to the important quotation provided?
The tragic effect is that of human sympathy
This highlights the emotional response elicited by tragedy.
According to Aristotle, why is poetry considered more philosophical than history?
Poetry expresses the universal, while history expresses the particular fact
This distinction emphasizes the broader themes poetry can convey.
What can a poorly constructed plot evoke according to the quotations?
It might call forth human sympathy but would not excite pity or fear
This indicates the necessity of effective plot construction in eliciting emotional responses.
What experience does Aristotle claim is highly enjoyable?
The experience of learning things
This suggests a relationship between education and pleasure.
What does rhetoric involve according to the central argument?
Understanding how speech affects audiences
This focuses on the mechanics of persuasion in communication.
Define the term ‘form/formalism’ in the context provided.
A concept often associated with the structure and style of artistic works
This term relates to the analysis of the form of poetry and literature.
What aspect of poetry does Aristotle focus on?
Meter
This refers to the rhythmic structure of verses in poetry.
