Classical literary theory

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Classical literary theory

Socrates

Most existing poetry is unsuitable to educational purposes

Why would Socrates think this?

Moral weakness

Poetry depicts Gods and heroes in various forms of moral weakness. E.g. revenge, jealousy, quarreling, showing disrespect to your parents or teachers.

Socrates said...

Young People are impressionable... Any impression we choose to make leaves a permanent mark.

Name at least three main characters in popular fiction who show signs of moral weakness

Plato

Excludes all poets from his ideal republic. "They are inspired or possessed. It is a form of divine madness"

The Harry Potter series
The giver
The wonderful wizard of Oz: What do these books have in common?

Explain what is going on in this picture.

Mimesis

Beauty, truth and goodness are one. They are the ultimate values to which we should all strive.

Mimesis

Our world is a bad copy of the world of ideas. Art is an even worse copy of that bad copy.

Mimesis

Poetry, art and literature will not lead us to beauty truth and goodness. The arts appeal to the lower, less rational part of our nature.

What is good literature according to Plato?

Tales which tell of virtue, endurance, heroism, courage are to be admitted into the republic.

Which aspects of classical literary theory can you use to analyse a novel?