E23F TERM PAPER
(BASED ON MODULE ONE: THE PRE-MODERN
PERIOD)
Answer One (1) of the following questions by referring to texts studied in Module One:
1. One branch of the mimetic approach to criticism, M. H. Abrams points out in The Mirror and the Lamp, is concerned with what may be termed ‘literary realism.’ This is basically an "empirical theory of the artistic ideal, of which the Poetics of Aristotle was the prototype" (36), which "maintains that the models and forms for artistic imitation are selected . . . from the objects of sense-perception" (36) to be found in the everyday world.Referring closely to the views of Plato and Aristotle, discuss what you understand by the term ‘realism.’Either:
Or: Illustrating your answer with reference to a suitable literary or dramatic work of your choice, outline some of the most important elements which a realist critic would look for in a literary work as well as the characteristic steps which s/he would take to these ends.
2. M. H. Abrams argues in The Mirror and the Lamp that the other branch of the mimetic approach to criticism is concerned with what might be termed ‘literary symbolism.’ This is basically a "transcendental theory, deriving from Plato" (36) which "specifies the proper objects of art to be Ideas or Forms which are perhaps approachable by way of the world of sense, but are ultimately trans-empirical . . . and available only to the mind of the eye" (36).3. Aristotle argues that plot is the "life-blood" (40) of tragedy in that art is a "representation, not of men, but of action and life, of happiness and unhappiness" (39) which are necessarily "bound up with action" (39). He contends that tragedies are "not performed, therefore, in order to represent character, although character is involved for the sake of the action" (40). Comparing his view of literature to Plato's, discuss Aristotle's concept of 'plot' in the light of these commentsEither: Referring closely to the views of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and / or Dante, discuss what you understand by the concept of ‘symbolism.’
Or: Illustrating your answer with reference to a suitable literary or dramatic work of your choice, outline the most important elements which a symbolist critic would look for in a literary work as well as the characteristic steps which s/he would take to these ends.
4. Horace writes that it is his goal to "teach the duty and office of the poet, instruct him where to get his materials, show what moulds and develops him, what is fitting to him and what is not, where the good can lead him and where the wrong" (72). Discuss the nature of Horace's practical advice to the aspiring poet.
5. Discuss the concept of the 'sublime' advanced by 'Longinus.' How may we recognise it? What are its five sources?
6. On what grounds does Sir Philip Sidney defend poetry against Plato's charges?
PLEASE NOTE:
Deadline: 6 pm, October 31, 2002 Late submissions will be penalised; ALL ESSAYS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO ME IN PERSON
Length: 1,500 - 2,000 words. (I will not read anything that exceeds this limit)
Bibliography: your essay must be accompanied by a correctly compiled List of Works Consulted
Advice:
Essays must be written according to the guidelines laid out in The MLA Handbook. These guidelines are summarised in the Faculty of Humanities and Education Essay-Writing Guidelines and in my own Essay Writing Guide. Poorly presented and documented essays will be penalised.
Please do not submit your paper in any plastic folder or any other kind of covering: the paper itself is sufficient.