Poetics
Aristotle wrote the first systematic theory of literature, and we are still using his vocabulary — plot, character, catharsis, tragedy, comedy.
“Poetry is something more philosophical and more worthy of serious attention than history; for while poetry is concerned with universal truths, history...”
Why It Matters
Aristotle wrote the first systematic theory of literature, and we are still using his vocabulary — plot, character, catharsis, tragedy, comedy. The Poetics defined what a good story is for over two thousand years, and screenwriters still follow its rules today. It is the single most influential work of literary criticism ever written.
The 
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Personal reviewAwesome analysis of ancient tragedy and epic. Great points
Notable Quotes
“A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility.”