What according to Aristotle are the main characteristics of epic?
In chapter XXIII of poetics, Aristotle defines epic poetry as poetic imitation which is narrative information and employs a single metre, the plan manifestly ought, as in a tragedy to be constructed on dramatic principles. It should have for its subject a single action whole and complete, with a beginning, a middle and an end.
It will, thus, resemble a single and coherent picture of a living being, and produce the pleasure proper to it. It will differ in structure from historical compositions, which of necessity present not a single action, but a single period, and all that happened within that period to one person or to many little connected together as the events may be.
The epic plot is designed, as in a tragedy, on dramatic principles. It is based on a single action whole and complete with a beginning, a middle and an end, of the six constituents of plot, character, thought and diction of a tragedy are also noticeable in epic poetry.
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- Plot construction of 'She Stoops to Conquer'
- English Comedy before Goldsmith
- Sentimental Comedy: Reaction of Goldsmith against it
- Character and role of Miss Neville
- Discuss She Stoops to Conquer as a Sentimental Comedy
- Discuss Goldsmith's View of Sentimental Comedy
- Give an estimate of Goldsmith as a dramatist
- Contribution of Goldsmith as a Dramatist
