Poetics
"Poetics" is a foundational text by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, exploring the principles of literary theory and the nature of poetry. In this work, Aristotle analyzes different forms of poetry, including tragedy and epic, and discusses their structures, elements, and purposes. He emphasizes the importance of mimesis, or imitation, in art, suggesting that poetry reflects reality and human experience.
The text also introduces key concepts such as catharsis, the emotional release experienced by audiences, and the role of plot, character, and theme in storytelling. "Poetics" has significantly influenced literary criticism and the understanding of narrative techniques throughout history.