The Poetics of Aristotle

"The Poetics" by Aristotle is a seminal work in literary theory and criticism, written in the 4th century BCE. In this treatise, Aristotle examines the principles of dramatic and narrative art, focusing particularly on tragedy. He introduces key concepts such as mimesis (imitation), catharsis (emotional purging), and the structure of dramatic works, including the importance of plot, character, and theme. Aristotle's analysis has profoundly influenced Western literature and drama, establishing foundational ideas about storytelling and aesthetics.