The department of literary studies should do away with the course ‘Classical Theories Of

Literature.’ Respond this statement with appropriate illustration.

The classical theories of literature provides a foundational understanding crucial for
students. However, the scholars like Plato and his student Aristotle opposed poetics by saying
that literature is a imitation, product of inspiration, outcome of tragedy and trigger of emotion s
illustrated below:
Plato insight on inspiration provide a compelling illustration of why the course ‘Classical
Theories Of Literature’ should be done away with. He considered a poet are possessed person
and this makes the poet utilize a language different from ordinary one. This will make him
confess in define enthused frenzy. He therefore said that poet is a tool hence unable to have
adequate knowledge for he don't know what he is talking about. Later says that we are all held in
this frenzy and neither us, the audience, nor the poet understand poetry hence the poetry is
unable to educate.
Plato argues that literature is imitative. He says that poetry does not give reality but rather
a reflection of original thing. This is verified by his book ‘The Ideal Republic’ when he
compared literature to the process of chair making. He states that Carpenter makes a chair from
the idea, which is the original, and the painter who gives the decoration continuous with the
imitation is illustrated below:
Therefore, the poet and the painter remake imitation of the appearance which can be perceived
by our senses. In conclusion both the poet and the painter create copies of other copies and for
that reason they are false, so the literature.
Using the aspect of emotion, Plato argues that poetry provide excitement and appeal to
the weaker part of the soul. This will not give the audience strength but make them weak. Plato
adds by saying that poetry encourages unrestrained sentiments and uncontrolled impulse in
which a decent person should be ashamed of contain them. Poetry according to him is therefore
falls and should be punished from the Ideal Republic or if it was to be retained, it should be
dedicated today gods as hymns.
Aristotle also agrees with Plato that poet imitates things the way they are. The things
could be present or ideal and other times common belief. However, unlike Plato, he regard poet’s
imitation as much removed from reality and here he considers the poet more serious than
historian where the poet relates to what may happen on the contrary with the historian who talks
about the past. Hence in his argument, he says the pictures of poetry as truth based on facts on
the laws of probability.
Aristotle also agrees with Plato that poetry appeals to and nourishes emotions. He
considers emotions as beneficial to the body only in small amounts because if they were to
accumulate, they will be harmful to the soul. He therefore encourages release of emotion being
useful if and when released.
 Aristotle differed with Plato in that whereas Plato made broad generalization of literature,
Aristotle was specific. Aristotle’s perspective on tragedy, as articulated in “Poetics,” revolves
around several key concepts. He believed tragedy’s purpose was to evoke pity and fear in the
audience, leading to catharsis. Aristotle stressed the importance of a well-structured plot,
featuring noble characters with tragic flaws that inevitably lead to their downfall. Tragedy should
maintain unity of time, place, and action, and incorporate elements like reversal of fortune and
recognition. Overall, Aristotle viewed tragedy as a potent art form that provides both emotional
and intellectual satisfaction to its audience.
In conclusion, discontinuing the course “Classical Theories of Literature” in the
department of literary studies warrants careful consideration. While updating curricula is
important, entirely removing classical theories may overlook foundational insights. A balanced
approach could integrate classical and contemporary perspectives, enriching students’
understanding. Encouraging critical engagement fosters analytical skills and appreciation for
literature’s diverse traditions. The decision should prioritize scholarly inquiry and a deep
appreciation for literature across eras.
Reference
1. “The Classical Tradition” edited by Anthony Grafton, Glenn W. Most, and
Salvatore Settis.
2. “Classical Literary Criticism” edited by D. A. Russell and Michael
Winterbottom.
3. “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Literature”
4. “Classical Literary Criticism: Plato: Ion; Republic 2-3, 10; Aristotle: Poetics;
Horace: The Art of Poetry”