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Plato and Aristotle's Contributions to Classicism Plato and Aristotle, two of the most influential philosophers in Western thought, made significant contributions to classical ideals that shaped not only philosophy but also literature, art, and culture. Their theories and writings laid the groundwork for what would later be termed as classicism—a movement that sought to emulate and revive the principles of ancient Greek and Roman art and literature. This essay explores how Plato and Aristotle contributed to classicism, examining their respective philosophies, ideas about aesthetics, and their impact on subsequent thinkers and artistic movements. 1. Plato's Contribution to Classicism Plato, a philosopher of ancient Greece and a student of Socrates, laid the foundation for many classical ideals through his writings, primarily in dialogues such as "The Republic" and "Symposium." His contributions to classicism can be summarized in several key aspects: A. Theory...

Samuel Johnson's Valuation of Comedy Over Tragedy in the ‘Preface to Shakespeare’ Samuel Johnson, an influential literary critic, lexicographer, and writer of the 18th century, provides a profound analysis of William Shakespeare's works in his “Preface to Shakespeare” (1765). In this critical essay, Johnson evaluates Shakespeare's contributions to both comedy and tragedy, offering insights into the playwright's strengths and the enduring appeal of his works. One of Johnson's notable arguments is his preference for comedy over tragedy. This essay explores the reasons behind Johnson's valuation of comedy, examining his critical perspectives on realism, moral instruction, universality, and the human experience. It also considers the broader context of 18th-century literary criticism and Johnson's own literary sensibilities. 1. Realism and Representation of Life One of Johnson's primary reasons for valuing comedy over tragedy is its superior representation o...

Neoclassical Criticism: Salient Features Neoclassical criticism, a dominant mode of literary analysis from the late 17th century to the early 19th century, sought to revive the classical principles of literature established by ancient Greek and Roman critics like Aristotle, Horace, and Longinus. This critical approach emphasized reason, order, decorum, and adherence to established forms and conventions, reflecting broader Enlightenment values that prioritized rationality, clarity, and moral purpose in art. This essay explores the salient features of neoclassical criticism, examining its principles, key figures, and lasting impact on literary theory and practice. 1. Emphasis on Reason and Rationality One of the core tenets of neoclassical criticism is the emphasis on reason and rationality. Neoclassical critics believed that literature should be guided by logical principles and should appeal to the intellect rather than the emotions. This rational approach to literature was seen as a wa...

Longinus and the Five Elements of the Sublime Longinus, a prominent Greek critic and rhetorician, is best known for his work "On the Sublime," which has had a lasting impact on the field of literary criticism. This treatise, written in the 1st century CE, delves into the nature of the sublime, a concept that encompasses the grandeur, power, and emotional intensity of a literary work. Longinus identifies five primary sources or elements that contribute to the creation of the sublime in literature. These elements—great thoughts, strong emotions, appropriate use of figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified arrangement—collectively elevate a work beyond the ordinary, leaving a profound and lasting impression on the audience. This essay explores these five elements in detail, examining their significance and interrelation in the creation of the sublime. 1. Great Thoughts (Megethos Tes Dianoias) The first element Longinus identifies is the presence of great thoughts or ideas....

Aristotle’s Theory of the Development of Poetry Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in Western thought, made significant contributions to the field of literary criticism through his seminal work "Poetics." In this treatise, Aristotle explores the nature and development of poetry, providing a comprehensive analysis of its origins, forms, and functions. His insights into the evolution of poetry are foundational, offering a framework that has influenced literary theory for centuries. This essay delves into Aristotle's tracing of the development of poetry, explaining his views on its origins, types, and purposes, and how these ideas have shaped our understanding of literature. The Origins of Poetry Aristotle begins his discussion of poetry by examining its origins. He posits that poetry arises from two fundamental human instincts: the instinct for imitation (mimesis) and the instinct for rhythm and harmony. 1. Imitation (Mimesis) Aristotle argues that imitatio...

Contributions of Classical Writers in the Field of Criticism Classical writers have played a pivotal role in shaping the field of literary criticism. Their works laid the foundational principles that continue to influence modern literary theory and criticism. The contributions of these writers are diverse and profound, encompassing the development of critical frameworks, the articulation of aesthetic principles, and the establishment of standards for literary evaluation. This essay explores the significant contributions of classical writers to literary criticism, focusing on key figures such as Aristotle, Plato, Horace, Longinus, and Quintilian. Aristotle (384-322 BCE) Aristotle's contributions to literary criticism are encapsulated primarily in his seminal work, "Poetics." This treatise remains one of the most influential texts in the history of literary criticism, offering a systematic analysis of the elements and principles of literature, particularly tragedy. Key Cont...

Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare" is a landmark in Shakespearean criticism for several reasons. Published in 1765 as part of his edition of Shakespeare's plays, Johnson's preface is a monumental work that not only elevated Shakespeare to the status of a literary genius but also laid the foundation for future critical assessments of his works. One of the key contributions of Johnson's preface was its comprehensive and systematic evaluation of Shakespeare's plays and poetry. Prior to Johnson's time, there were no critical assessments that provided an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's entire body of work. Johnson's preface filled this void by offering a detailed examination of the themes, characters, and language present in Shakespeare's plays and poems. By doing so, he provided readers with a comprehensive understanding of Shakespeare's literary achievements. Johnson's preface played a pivotal role in elevating Shakespeare to the st...

Longinus, a Greek rhetorician and literary critic, left a lasting impact on the study of aesthetics and literary criticism with his treatise "On the Sublime." Written in the 1st century CE, this influential work explores the concept of the sublime, delving into the qualities and techniques that elevate writing and speech from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Through "On the Sublime," Longinus aimed to identify the characteristics of sublime writing and provide invaluable guidance for writers and speakers seeking to achieve this lofty and powerful style, one that evokes profound emotions and leaves an indelible mark on the audience. The term "sublime" holds a multidimensional significance in Longinus' treatise. It surpasses the realms of mere beauty or eloquence, reaching heights that captivate the minds and emotions of its audience. Longinus defines the sublime as a state of grandeur and intensity that transcends the mundane and ordinary, capable of ...

John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Samuel Johnson were prominent literary figures during the late 17th and 18th centuries, and each made significant contributions to English literature and literary criticism. Their critical views and literary works were instrumental in shaping the literary landscape of their respective periods. 1. John Dryden: John Dryden was a versatile writer known for his poetry, plays, and critical works. He played a crucial role in establishing and promoting the principles of Neoclassicism in English literature. Dryden's critical views emphasized the importance of reason, clarity, and adherence to classical models. In his critical essays and prefaces, Dryden emphasized the concept of "decorum," which referred to the appropriateness of style and subject matter within a particular literary genre. He argued that writers should adapt their language and themes to suit the nature of the work. For example, tragedy should have elevated language and evoke feeli...

Samuel Johnson, a prominent 18th-century literary critic, expressed his reaction against William Shakespeare's handling of the distinction of time and place in his work "Preface to Shakespeare," which was written in 1765. In this preface, Johnson discusses various aspects of Shakespeare's plays and provides his critical analysis of the Bard's dramatic techniques. One of the elements that Johnson critiques in Shakespeare's plays is the lack of strict adherence to the classical principles of unity of time and place. According to the neo-classical rules, as derived from Aristotle's Poetics, a play should take place within a single day (unity of time) and in one location (unity of place). This was seen as a way to maintain the coherence and verisimilitude of the dramatic action. However, Shakespeare's plays often spanned longer periods of time and included multiple settings, which did not conform to these classical unities. Johnson took issue with this dep...

Aristotle's Poetics, a seminal work of literary theory written in the 4th century BCE, remains one of the most influential treatises on drama and poetry to this day. In this profound work, Aristotle explores the nature, structure, and elements of poetry, particularly tragedy, providing insightful observations on the principles that make a piece of literature effective and impactful. At the heart of Aristotle's understanding of poetry lies the concept of "mimesis," a term central to his philosophy on art. Derived from the Greek word for "imitation" or "representation," mimesis posits that all forms of poetry are essentially imitations or representations of reality. Aristotle believes that humans are natural imitators from a young age, and through imitation, we learn about the world and society. Similarly, poetry imitates life by portraying the actions, emotions, and experiences of characters, allowing the audience to witness and understand human beh...

The neo-classical theory of literary criticism emerged during a time when society was seeking stability and order after the tumultuous Renaissance period. The Renaissance celebrated individual creativity, emotional expression, and imaginative art forms. However, some intellectuals and scholars felt that this emphasis on emotions and personal expression had led to artistic chaos and a lack of moral guidance in literature. As a response, the neo-classical movement sought to revive the principles of ancient Greece and Rome, which were perceived as the epitome of artistic perfection and moral rectitude. At the core of the neo-classical theory lay the concept of "mimesis," borrowed from Aristotle's "Poetics." Mimesis advocated for the imitation or representation of reality in art. According to this principle, literature should reflect the rationality and order observed in the real world. By mirroring life's moral lessons and virtuous behavior, literature could se...