2. Aristotle proposes to discuss poetry, which he defines
as a means of mimesis, or imitation, by means of
language, rhythm, and harmony.
He also discusses various other genres and defines
them, some of which are obscure ancient performance
genres (such as dithyrambs).
A major portion of POETICS is dedicated to the idea
of “Tragedy”, its definition, elements and the
importance of plot.
3. The fundamental principle of the POETICS that you
have to remember is that a poem is a mimesis, that is,
an imitation. A tragedy, in particular, is an imitation of
an action.
4. 1) All forms of art are modes of imitation
2) They differ in three ways
Medium of Imitation
Object of Imitation
Mode of Imitation
5. 3) Rhythm and Harmony are essential for a poem
4) Aristotle seems to include instrumental music and
dance as poetry.
6. Medium is the sensory characteristic in terms of which
the imitation is made. For example: color and figure
for painting and sculpture, language and meter for
poetry.
7. The objects of poetry are kinds of moral character—
good, bad, and intermediate
8. The manner/modes are methods of exposition of the
story—narration or enactment or mixed
