1.2 Key concepts and terminology in Classical Poetics

Classical Poetics revolves around key concepts that shape our understanding of dramatic arts. Aristotle's ideas of mimesis, catharsis, and hamartia form the foundation, explaining how art imitates life and impacts audiences emotionally.

Character development and plot dynamics are crucial in Classical Poetics. Concepts like anagnorisis and peripeteia describe pivotal moments in storytelling, while the elements of tragedy outline the structural and performative aspects of dramatic works.

Aristotelian Concepts

Foundational Principles of Dramatic Theory

• Mimesis refers to the artistic imitation or representation of reality in literature and drama
  • Encompasses the portrayal of human actions, emotions, and experiences
  • Serves as a fundamental principle in Aristotle's theory of art
  • Allows audiences to connect with and learn from fictional characters and situations
• Catharsis describes the emotional purification or purgation experienced by audience members
  • Occurs through the intense feelings of pity and fear evoked by tragic performances
  • Results in a sense of emotional release and psychological renewal
  • Contributes to the therapeutic effect of tragedy on spectators

Character Development and Plot Dynamics

• Hamartia denotes the tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to a character's downfall
  • Often stems from a fundamental aspect of the protagonist's personality
  • Can manifest as excessive pride, ambition, or a moral blindness
  • Drives the tragic action and contributes to the character's inevitable fate (Oedipus' determination to uncover the truth)
• Anagnorisis represents the moment of recognition or discovery in a tragic plot
  • Involves a sudden realization of truth or identity by the protagonist
  • Often occurs near the climax of the story, leading to a shift in the character's understanding
  • Can precipitate the final tragic events or reveal the consequences of past actions
• Peripeteia signifies a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances
  • Marks a turning point in the plot, often following the anagnorisis
  • Can transform a character's situation from good to bad or vice versa
  • Heightens dramatic tension and propels the story towards its conclusion

Elements of Tragedy

Structural Components of Tragic Drama

• Mythos encompasses the plot or narrative structure of a tragedy
  • Involves the arrangement of events and actions in a coherent sequence
  • Considered by Aristotle as the most important element of tragedy
  • Includes the key events, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the story forward
• Ethos refers to the moral character or disposition of the dramatic personae
  • Reflects the ethical qualities and motivations of the characters
  • Influences the audience's perception of and emotional response to the characters
  • Contributes to the overall moral message or theme of the tragedy
• Dianoia represents the thought or intellectual content of the tragedy
  • Encompasses the ideas, arguments, and reasoning presented in the play
  • Manifests through characters' speeches, debates, and decision-making processes
  • Adds depth and complexity to the dramatic narrative

Linguistic and Performative Aspects

• Lexis denotes the diction or language used in the tragic work
  • Includes the choice of words, phrases, and linguistic devices employed by the playwright
  • Contributes to the overall tone, style, and poetic quality of the tragedy
  • Helps convey characters' emotions, social status, and cultural context
• Melos refers to the musical element of tragedy, particularly in ancient Greek theater
  • Encompasses the use of song, choral odes, and instrumental accompaniment
  • Enhances the emotional impact of the performance and aids in storytelling
  • Provides rhythmic and melodic structure to certain parts of the tragedy
• Opsis encompasses the visual spectacle or stagecraft of the tragic performance
  • Includes costumes, masks, set design, and other visual elements
  • Contributes to the overall aesthetic experience and immersion of the audience
  • Helps create the appropriate atmosphere and setting for the tragic action