Just a little fun today

In the wonky world of poetry.

 

'Plato was practical, pragmatic.

Aristotle was 'artsy', objective.'

 

I found this scribble in a folder: STUFF TO SORT.

How many years ago was that!

I have no idea what I was reading at the time,

Likely a textbook from a students'  sidewalk sale.

They jettisoned superb books for pennies.

 

So, I can't credit the author or the publisher,

But the points are excellent.

This was just the writer's opinion, of course,

He/She was probably teaching it as gospel.

I would have so enjoyed Poetry Classes!

 

Anyway, back to this 'discovered text':

'Criticism is classified according to purpose,

As such and such ' Theory'.

The work: Objective

The artist: Expressive

The universe or the nature of things: Mimetic

Response or effect: Pragmatic

 

I do think that's interesting.

But, as regards Plato and Aristotle,

It seems generally agreed that

Aristotle judges a poem on its 'form'

According to established 'rules'.

Aristotle is 'artsy'.

And Plato favours 'effect',

Not so much how it's written

But how it affects the reader

And makes things happen.

Plato is 'practical'.

 

What fine discourse they must enjoy

Somewhere.

I bet they still hiss and shrug

And raise their haughty eyebrows!

And yet, respectful.

It is just opinion, after all.

 

 

 

Cynthia Buell Thomas, April 2020