UGC NET ENGLISH PREPARATION - LITERARY CRITICISM

 

When Horace came………………………… (65- 8 B.C)

1-      A fresh beginning in literary criticism

2-      What Cicero had done in the sphere of rhetoric, same was done by Horace into the realms of poetry.

 Cicero – He was a minor character in Julius Caesar

                Introduced the Romans Greek Philosophy and created Latin philosophical vocabulary.

 “Petrarch’s rediscovery of Cicero’s letters is often credited for initiating the 14^th century renaissance.” 

 

 

•     His work ARS POETICA is equal to Aristotle’s poetics .
•   The most influential of Roman critics.
•    ARS POETICA MEANS- Treatise on the art of writing poetry.
•    He was surrounded by the disciples like Florus, Pisos.
•   He was well equipped with his education 1^st in Rome , IInd in Athens (45-44) BC.

 

 

ARS POETICA

“ Even in Horace’s political works, we can see literary pronouncements, but for his main body of his critical theories – Epiistle to Pisos or the Ars Poetica ( or The Art of Poetry) )”

“ The title Ars Poetica means A treatise on the art of writing poetry”

“ This work lack in form , The fact is that it is not a regular treatise byt a verse letter to his friend , Pisos.

“ Main aim of Horace as a critic is to guide his national literature along the lines laid down by Helllenic poets and critics.

 

THREE PARTS OF ARS POETICA

• I – Poesis -  The discussion of the subject
• II- Poema – or form
• III- Poeta – or the poet – He gives advice to poet regarding art and function of poetry

Let’s discuss these in details –

Part I – Poesis

•         A poem must have organic unity.
•         There must exist a harmonious relation between the parts and the whole.
•          The use and choice of words must be wise.
•         The poet is at liberty to coin new words and revive old ones.

 

Part II – Poema

• The plot should be based on old familiar stories novelty may be imparted by skillful treatment.

Part III - Poeta 

• The fountain source of good writing is sound judgment . 
• A poet must also be a keen observer of men and manners . 
• He should constantly study the book of life and draw "Language of true life." 
• Nobility and dignity of soul are necessary to write good poetry, excessive greed and love for money come in the way of good writing. 
• A poet should instruct or please or two can be combined . 
• Avoid romantic extravagances and absurdities.
• Even good Homer nods - means minor mistakes in poetry may be forgiven. 
• Poetry has great power and appeal .