Classical Critical Tradition: A
Comprehensive Overview
Plato | Aristotle | Longinus | Horace
Slide 1: What is Literary Criticism?
Definition:
Literary criticism is the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works.
Purpose:
o Understand deeper meaning, form, and function
o Judge artistic merit
o Relate literature to philosophy, morality, and society
Forms of Criticism:
o Theoretical – Philosophical foundations (e.g., Plato)
o Practical – Close reading and textual analysis
o Historical/Cultural – Literature in context
Classical Roots:
Initiated by Greek philosophers—focused on truth, imitation, and ethical value.
The word "criticism" comes from the Greek word kritikē (κριτική), which means:
"the art of judgment" or "the ability to discern."
Here’s a breakdown of its etymology:
Greek root: kritikos (κριτικός) → "able to judge or discern"
Derived from the verb krinein (κρίνειν) → "to separate, decide, judge"
Entered Latin as criticus, then into French as critique
Adopted into English in the 17th century as criticism
📜 Slide 1: Introduction
Classical literary criticism began in Ancient Greece and Rome.
It aimed to understand literature’s nature, function, and value.
Four foundational figures:
o Plato (Idealist and philosopher)
o Aristotle (Systematic analyst)
o Longinus (Sublime theorist)
o Horace (Practical and balanced critic)
🧠 Slide 2: Plato – Overview
Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE)
Student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle
Key texts: The Republic, Ion, Phaedrus
First systematic literary critic
Idealist: Emphasis on truth and morality
📚 Slide 3: Plato’s Theory of Mimesis
Art as imitation of the physical world (which itself is an imitation of the ideal forms)
Therefore, literature is a copy of a copy → thrice removed from truth
Distrust of poets: they appeal to emotions, not reason
⚖️Slide 4: Plato’s Criticism of Poetry
Poets misrepresent gods and heroes
Literature can corrupt youth
Poetry excites emotions rather than nurturing reason
Poets should be banned from the ideal state
✅ Slide 5: Plato – Contributions and Legacy
Initiated debate on morality vs. aesthetics
Defined mimesis – basis of future criticism
Though harsh, laid philosophical foundation for literary inquiry
🧠 Slide 6: Aristotle – Overview
Student of Plato (384–322 BCE)
Wrote Poetics – first systematic literary theory
Defended poetry against Plato’s criticism
More scientific and logical in approach
Slide 7: Aristotle’s Poetics – Key Concepts
Mimesis: imitation as natural and educative
Catharsis: emotional purification through tragedy
Six elements of tragedy:
o Plot, Character, Thought, Diction, Melody, Spectacle
Plot (Mythos): the soul of tragedy
🔍 Slide 8: Aristotle on Tragedy and Epic
Tragedy superior to epic:
o More concentrated
o Evokes immediate emotional response
Epic = narrative; Tragedy = action + spectacle
🎯 Slide 9: Aristotle – Legacy
Rational, structured approach to literature
Influenced Renaissance and modern criticism
Balanced form, function, and effect
🌟 Slide 10: Longinus – Overview
Greek critic (1st century CE)
Wrote On the Sublime
Concerned with emotional and aesthetic impact of literature
First to discuss reader response
🔥 Slide 11: Theory of the Sublime
Literature should elevate the soul
Sublimity creates awe, wonder, grandeur
Aimed at timeless emotional power
🧬 Slide 12: Sources of Sublimity (5-fold)
1. Greatness of Thought
2. Strong Emotions
3. Noble Diction
4. Figures of Speech
5. Dignified Composition
“Sublimity is the echo of a great soul.”
📈 Slide 13: Longinus – Legacy
Precursor to Romanticism
Emphasized writer’s genius and inspiration
Highlighted the emotional effect of style and language
Slide 14: Horace – Overview
Roman poet and critic (65–8 BCE)
Wrote Ars Poetica (The Art of Poetry)
Emphasized utility and pleasure as poetry’s goals
“To teach and to delight” (docere et delectare)
Slide 15: Horace’s Critical Ideas
Art must be guided by rules and discipline
Harmony between subject, style, and genre
Importance of revision and craftsmanship
Poet = educator and entertainer
📏 Slide 16: Horace on the Ideal Poet
Balance between inspiration and control
Value of tradition and moderation
Reader’s pleasure and moral elevation = highest aim
🧱 Slide 17: Horace – Legacy
Influenced Neoclassical critics (Dryden, Pope)
Foundation of prescriptive criticism
Emphasized decorum, clarity, order
🔚 Slide 18: Comparative Overview
Critic Focus Area Core Idea Legacy
Plato Philosophy & Morality Poetry misleads from truth Ethics in art
Aristotle Structure & Function Poetry is natural & cathartic Scientific criticism
Longinus Aesthetics & Emotion Sublimity inspires grandeur Romantic & affective criticism
Horace Practical Craftsmanship Teach and delight Neoclassical precision
🌐 Slide 19: Influence on Western Criticism
Shaped Renaissance Humanism
Formed the basis for:
o Romanticism (Longinus)
o Neoclassicism (Horace)
o Modern formalism (Aristotle)
o Ethical criticism (Plato)
🎓 Slide 20: Conclusion
Classical critics laid the groundwork for all literary theory
They engaged with literature’s moral, emotional, aesthetic, and structural dimensions
Their legacy continues to inspire critical debates today
