ARS POETICA

by Horace

Horace
65 BC 8 BC

Horace
Horace is the second greatest poet of Romes Augustan Age. Quintus Horatius Flaccus. Born in Venusia on Dec 8, 65 BCE, died on Nov 27, 8 BCE Studied in Rome, then in Athens.

Beginnings of Horaces career as a poet

Octavian, officially known as Imperator Ceasar Divi Filius Augustus or Augustus (The Revered One) was a patron of the arts, including poetry. Virgil introduced Horace to Maecenas (Octavians close friend) Maecenas patronage gave Horace the resources and security for three decades of working life as a poet.

Beginnings of Horaces career as a poet

Julius Caesars assassination
Maecenas patronage gave Horace resources and security for three decades of working as a poet.

Battle at Philippi (42 B.C.)

Mark Antony and Octavian against Brutus and Cassius (assassins if Julius Caesar)

Maecenas (Augustus close friend) provided financial support for various poets Virgil Introduced Horace to Maecanas

Battle of Actium (31 B.C.)

Mark Antony involved with Cleopatra was defeated by Octavian known as Augustus

Augustus became the sole ruler of Rome until his death in A.D.14

Horaces works and style

Master of short lyric poetry Famous for his The Odes, Book of Epodes (I & II), Book of Satires (I & II), Book of Epistles (I & II) and his Epistle to the Pisos or the Ars Poetica

Ars Poetica (translated as Art of Poetry)

Unsystematic amplification of Aristotles discussion of each literary genres. Lyric, Pastoral, Satire, Elegy and Epigram Epic, Tragedy and Comedy Written about 19-18 BCE Also known as Epistula ad Pisones (Epistle to the Pisos) Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, fought under Brutus at Philippi Sons, Gnaes (consul in 7 BCE) and Lucius (consul 1 BCE) Telephus and Peleus Consists of 476 verses

Ars Poetica: Decorum, RESTRAINT

Unity and Harmony
1. Do not mix unlike things
The heart of decorum Mermaid image Works of feverish minds How can I be called a poet if I ignore, or fail to observe, The established functions and styles in my work? (AP: 73-118) Shakespeare Each genre should have its own style that is natural to it. Defined unity of action, character and mood. Comedy cant be played in tragic mode (AP: 73-118)

2. Mixing of genres very un-Horatian way

Ars Poetica: Decorum, RESTRAINT

When writing a traditional subject, modern poets must be faithful to the precedents set by their forbearers.
When writing about Achilles, the [modern] poet should represent the renowned Achilles.

Each genre should have its own specific meter

Rhythmic sounds that closely coincide the sense of the poem

Ars Poetica: Decorum, RESTRAINT

Gory, explicit scenes must not be seen on stage
Folks shouldnt see Medea slaughter her children, Impious Atreus mustnt cook human flesh [] Any scenes you show me, I disbelieve and hate (AP: 189-219) Another rule not followed in Shakespeares King Lear (blinding of Gloucester)

Ars Poetica: Writing great poetry

If you want to move me to tears, you must first grieve yourself (AP:73-118)
No tears in the poet, no tears to the reader

Wisdoms the source and fount of excellent writing. (AP:295332)

Content is as important as Technique

Let it be what you wish but short and natural (AP:1-37)

Purple patches

Poets wish either to profit or to delight; or to deliver at once both the pleasures and the necessaries of life. (AP:333-365)
To delight and instruct Dulce et utile, meaning sweet and useful

Ars Poetica: Writing great poetry

Yet there are faults, which we should be ready to pardon (AP: 366-407)
Whats important is the TOTAL IMPACT of the poet.

But dont reveal on stage what should be hidden, keep things from sight(AP: 119-152)
Lapse in Decorum or polite society (i.e. Medea butchering her children)

And no gods should intervene unless theres a problem that needs THAT solution (AP: 189-219)
No using of deus ex machina

Ars Poetica: Writing great poetry

Greek Models
Our poets have left no species [of the art] unattempted (Ars Poetica, translation by Christoper Smart)

Fictions must be close to reality Follow a tradition or invent (but make sure its consistent)

Ars Poetica: On Critics

If you ever read Quintilius anything, hed say: Oh do change this, and this.. If, after two or three Vain attempts, you could do no better, hed order Deletion: return the ill-made verse to the anvil.. (AP: 438-476)

Act as whetstone for the poets Teach proper duty of the poet Censuring and editing poetry Maintains DECORUM

Ars Poetica: Horaces rules for drama

To teach and to please
Dulce et utile Old men: to teach morality; young men: to entertain. The best poet will combine the two. Poet must be concise and realistic

Medias Res
in the middle of things Plays (and epics) begin in the middle. The middle agrees with the start, the end with the middle (AP: 119-152)

Ars Poetica: Horaces rules for drama

Play should consist of five acts No god intervention (if not necessary)
No deus ex machina

Chorus plays an integral part

Should favour the good Gives friendly advice Guide those who are angered Encouraged those who are fearful etc. (AP: 189-219)

Music
- The Flute, accompany and assist the chorus

He always hastens the outcome and snatches the reader into the midst of the action, [] The middle agrees with the start, the end with the middle (AP: 119-152)
Like Aristotle, Horace insisted that each part be of a play be related (direct and intimate) with all other parts of the play.

Ars Poetica: Duties and roles of the poet

Inspired craftsman - need both native ability and rigorous training Never work for mediocrity Poets work make it look easy and unified. The reader could feel he could do the same. Role of the poet is difficult
1. To please while staying true to his art. 2. To make a living without letting the love for money taint his soul.

References
Ars Poetica direct translation. http://romanhistorybooks.typepad.com/files/horacesatires-epistles-ap.pdf The Art of Poetry, translation by Christoper Smart. http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/19921 Aureus, Carlos, Critical Book Theory as it is in defense of a Classical Education

Thank you!