Aristotle's The Poetics—the foundational work on dramatic theory, analyzing tragedy, epic poetry, plot structure, character, catharsis, and the art of storytelling. Translated by S.H. Butcher, narrated by Mark Cassidy.

📖 About the Work

Written in the 4th century BCE, The Poetics is one of the earliest and most influential works on literary theory. Aristotle analyzes the principles of tragedy, epic poetry, and dramatic composition, discussing plot structure, character development, catharsis, and the role of imitation in art. His insights shaped the foundations of Western literary criticism and continue to inform storytelling, theater, and literary studies today.

✍️ About Aristotle

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher and polymath whose works shaped countless disciplines including ethics, politics, science, and literary criticism. The Poetics remains one of his most influential texts, providing a systematic approach to analyzing literature and its emotional effects on audiences.

🎙️ Narration & Translation

Mark Cassidy brings articulate, expressive narration to S.H. Butcher's classic translation, with full on-screen subtitles and no background music—perfect for students, writers, and anyone interested in dramatic theory and storytelling.

📚 Timestamps

• 00:00 – The Poetics by Aristotle
• 00:11 – Chapter 1: The Nature of Poetry and Imitation
• 03:33 – Chapter 2: The Origins and Development of Poetry
• 05:00 – Chapter 3: The Types of Poetry and Their Differences
• 06:36 – Chapter 4: Tragedy and Its Essential Elements
• 11:43 – Chapter 5: Comedy, Epic, and Other Forms of Poetry
• 13:56 – Chapter 6: Definition and Purpose of Tragedy
• 20:07 – Chapter 7: The Structure of a Tragic Plot
• 22:48 – Chapter 8: Unity in Tragedy: A Single, Complete Action
• 24:22 – Chapter 9: The Role of Probability and Necessity in Plot
• 28:09 – Chapter 10: Complex and Simple Plots: Recognition and Reversal
• 28:57 – Chapter 11: Suffering and Catharsis in Tragedy
• 31:13 – Chapter 12: Quantitative Parts of Tragedy
• 32:31 – Chapter 13: What Makes a Plot Truly Tragic?
• 36:15 – Chapter 14: The Best Kind of Tragic Hero
• 40:50 – Chapter 15: The Role of Character in Tragedy
• 44:08 – Chapter 16: Recognition and Its Types in Drama
• 47:53 – Chapter 17: Constructing a Tragic Plot Effectively
• 51:14 – Chapter 18: The Role of Spectacle and Song in Tragedy
• 55:06 – Chapter 19: Thought and Diction in Poetry
• 57:01 – Chapter 20: Metaphor and the Art of Poetic Language
• 1:00:46 – Chapter 21: Poetic Style and Proper Expression
• 1:05:03 – Chapter 22: Epic Poetry vs. Tragedy: A Comparison
• 1:09:24 – Chapter 23: Unity and Magnitude in Epic Poetry
• 1:11:50 – Chapter 24: Superiority of Tragedy over Epic Poetry
• 1:18:15 – Chapter 25: Criticism of Poetry and Responses to Objections
• 1:27:02 – Chapter 26: The Superiority of Tragedy Over Epic Poetry

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