Aristotle's Poetics: Understanding Tragedy and Narrative

Ever wondered what makes a story truly compelling, or why certain narratives resonate deeply across generations? This course demystifies one of history's most pivotal texts on literary theory. You will be equipped with the foundational principles of Aristotle's Poetics, allowing you to critically engage with the structure and impact of dramatic works, from ancient plays to contemporary media. What you'll learn: * Understand the historical context and core philosophical concepts within Aristotle's Poetics. * Analyze the six essential elements of tragedy, with a focused examination of plot and character. * Apply Aristotelian concepts such as mimesis, catharsis, and hamartia to literary analysis. * Identify the enduring influence of Poetics on modern narrative theory and storytelling. * Practice evaluating dramatic works through the lens of classical literary criticism. This course begins with an exploration of key terminology and Aristotle's philosophical framework before delving into the detailed analysis of tragedy's components. You will then learn to apply these insights to both classical and contemporary examples. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of classical philosophy or literary theory, and no prerequisites are required. Embark on a journey through one of history's most influential texts on art and storytelling.