Poetics

Key Concepts and Strategies

In «Poetics», Aristotle outlines the main concepts and strategies of dramaturgy and poetry. He analyzes the structure of tragedy, highlighting its six components: myth (plot), ethos (characters), lexis (speech), dianoia (thought), melopoeia (music), and opsis (spectacle). Aristotle asserts that myth is the most important element of tragedy, as it determines its integrity and sequence. He also introduces the concept of catharsis—purification of the audience's emotions through the experience of fear and pity. Aristotle views tragedy as an imitation of action, which should be complete and have a certain magnitude. He emphasizes the importance of unity of time, place, and action, stressing that events should unfold logically and believably. Aristotle also analyzes comedy, epic, and other forms of poetry, comparing them to tragedy and highlighting their unique features. He considers the role of the poet as a creator who must follow certain rules to produce a work that evokes an emotional response from the audience.