# Aristotle on the art of poetry

By Aristotle.

"Aristotle on the art of poetry" by Aristotle is a philosophical treatise written around 335 BCE. This earliest surviving work of Greek dramatic theory examines poetry's fundamental nature, focusing on tragedy, comedy, and epic verse. Aristotle explores how these genres imitate life through differences in rhythm, character, and narrative presentation. The text analyzes tragedy's essential elements—including plot construction, character development, and the experience of catharsis through fear and pity. It distinguishes poetic truth from historical fact, arguing poetry reveals universal possibilities rather than particular events. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Contributor: Gilbert Murray
- Translator: Ingram Bywater
- Subjects: Poetry -- Early works to 1800; Aesthetics -- Early works to 1800; Music -- Philosophy and aesthetics

[Read it](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/gutenberg/6763/read)
[Plain text](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/api/books/gutenberg/6763/text)

## Audiobooks of it

- [Poetics](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/librivox/240) by Aristotle (2 h 24 min, English)

From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.