TERM PAPER 2007-2008

LITS2306 TERM PAPER 2007-2008

BASED ON MODULE ONE

Answer ONE (1) of the following questions, referring closely to the text(s) of the theorist in question:

1. Referring closely to his views on the nature of being, knowledge and the self, discuss the grounds on which Plato advocates in Book X of The Republic that poets be banished from his ideal state.

2. "The Poetics offers the first science of criticism of which we are aware." What light do Aristotle's theories of being, knowledge and the self shed on the views advanced in his Poetics?

3. Referring closely to the views on plot advanced in Aristotle's Poetics, identify the emotional impact of a work of your choice and discuss the role played by the plot-structure in the production of this effect.

4. Explain the 'allegorical' view of literature advanced by Aquinas and Dante.

5. On what grounds does Sidney defend poetry against Plato's indictment? Is his argument successful, in your view?

6. What are the causes of “judging ill,” according to Pope?

7. Does Johnson contradict himself when he contends both that it is the “greatest excellency of art to imitate nature” and that it is vital to “distinguish those parts of nature which are most proper for imitation”?

8. What do you understand by the term 'classicism'? Referring closely to the literary views of either Pope or Johnson, discuss why they may be described as 'neo-classical.'

9. Discuss the legacy of either Plato or Aristotle with regard to the views of ONE subsequent literary theorist whom you have studied in this module.

10. Referring closely to the work of ONE theorist which you have studied and illustrating your answer with reference to ONE (literary) work of your choice, carefully explain one of the following approaches to criticism:

the mimetic;

the pragmatic;

the objective.

DEADLINE: 6 pm, Thursday, November 15, 2007.

LENGTH: 5 - 7 pages (double-spaced)

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