1.

List the main points of Plato and Aristotle's criticisms:

A. Plato:
1. Poetry does not intend to teach, but it corrupts the minds of children for its totality is does not
consider real life events.
2. There is no sense of reality in poetries.
3. Philosophy is based upon the mode of inquiry, while poetry is just an expression of feelings.
Because of this, Plato thinks that philosophy is superior to poetry
B. Aristotle:
1. The story in a literary piece must be complete with the necessary details needed by the reader.
No cliff-hangers and unresolved plot.
2. The story must refrain from any comedic acts and must invoke a serious tone.
3. The main character must be brave and noble.

2. Evaluate the characters and plot/situations in the perspective of the critics aforementioned:

The story of Oedipus Rex can happen in reality and not a figure of imagination which makes it
appealing to Plato. Oedipus has his own philosophy and tries to change the intended prophesy that was
destined to be fulfilled. However, the prophecy was indeed true and corrupted the mind of Oedipus
causing him to blind himself escaping to bear the sight of a hurting reality.

On the other hand, in Aristotle’s lens, this literary piece will be recommended by Aristotle. The
main character is noble, the plot has a serious tone, a lot sufferings experienced by the different
characters, and the story itself is clear and complete. However, both Oedipus and Jocasta, who is his wife
and apparently his mother, chose to ran away from their own problems. Jocasta hangs herself, while
Oedipus blinded himself. Therefore, using Aristotle’s perspective, the characters was not able to face and
defeat their problems which makes the literary piece less appealing in his sight.