English Literature and Language

The Natyashastra   Aristotle's Poetics: The Foundational Treatise on Literary Art Introduction: Aristotle (384-322 BCE), the Macedonian philosopher and student of Plato, changed Western thought with his practical approach to knowledge. His  Poetics  (c. 335 BCE), though partially lost, remains the iconic work of literary theory. Composed as lecture notes, it systematically analyzes poetry (Greek  poiētikē , "making" or "creating"), focusing mainly on  tragedy  and  epic poetry . Aristotle counters Plato’s dismissal of art as morally corrupting by arguing poetry reveals universal truths through structured imitation ( mimesis ), offering intellectual pleasure and emotional catharsis. This newsletter unpacks Aristotle’s technical framework, defining key concepts crucial for understanding narrative art. I. The Core Principle: Mimesis (Imitation) Aristotle defines all poetry as fundamentally mimetic – not mere copying, but a creative representation of ...

  Dandin and His Contribution to Indian Poetics  In the rich tapestry of Indian literary criticism, few figures shine as brightly as Dandin  (circa late 6th - early 7th century CE). A master of both poetic practice and theoretical formulation, Dandin's seminal work, the  Kavyadarsha  ("The Mirror of Poetry"), remains a cornerstone of  Alamkarashastra  (the Science of Literary Embellishment, or Indian Poetics). This discourse, concise yet deeply insightful, systematically explores the nature, structure, and essential qualities of  kavya  (literature/poetry), providing generations of poets and critics with a guiding light. This newsletter delves into the life, work, and enduring legacy of Dandin, unpacking the intricate technical vocabulary of the  Kavyadarsha  to illuminate its foundational role in understanding Sanskrit and broader Indian literary aesthetics. Indian Knowledge System Dandin: The Theorist and His Times Life and...