Poetics

What it's about

The first surviving work of literary theory: Aristotle defines tragedy, ranks plot above character, and explains reversal, recognition and the arousing of pity and fear, before comparing tragedy with epic poetry. Twenty-six short chapters in Butcher's translation.

Who it's for

- Writers who want to know where the rules of plot and drama began - Readers of Greek tragedy who want Aristotle's account of how it works - Students of literature and film theory

What’s inside

1. 1

   I

   2 min
2. 2

   II

   1 min
3. 3

   III

   1 min
4. 4

   IV

   3 min
5. 5

   V

   1 min
6. 6

   VI

   4 min
7. 7

   VII

   2 min
8. 8

   VIII

   1 min
9. 9

   IX

   3 min
10. 10

    X

    1 min
11. 11

    XI

    2 min
12. 12

    XII

    1 min
13. 13

    XIII

    3 min
14. 14

    XIV

    3 min
15. 15

    XV

    2 min
16. 16

    XVI

    3 min
17. 17

    XVII

    2 min
18. 18

    XVIII

    3 min
19. 19

    XIX

    1 min
20. 20

    XX

    3 min
21. 21

    XXI

    3 min
22. 22

    XXII

    5 min
23. 23

    XXIII

    2 min
24. 24

    XXIV

    4 min

Showing the first 24 of 26 chapters — open the book for the rest.

What readers say

Read next

Summary

The Wisdom of InsecurityAlan WattsSummary12 min

Summary

How to LiveSarah BakewellSummary12 min

Summary

At the Existentialist CaféSarah BakewellSummary15 min

Summary

The Consolations of PhilosophyAlain de BottonSummary10 min

Summary

Status AnxietyAlain de BottonSummary13 min

Summary

The Myth of SisyphusAlbert CamusSummary8 min