ARS POETICA

-HORACE
HORACE
 Horace was one of the great poets of Roman
Augustan Age.
 This golden age lasted from 27 BC to AD 14 and
included Virgil, Ovid ,Propertius and Tibullus.
 Horace was a master of the short lyric and the
very embodiment of wit.
 Horace became a model of the courtly poet who
could move around in high society without
prostituting his talents or his art
INTRODUCTION
 Though generally translated into prose the ‘Art of poetry’ is
actually a verse epistle addressed to the Pisco family. This
family was Horace’s patron.
 In the letter ,Horace is purportedly giving advice to the two
Pisco boys on how to write great poetry.
 The letter is really a none-to-subtle appeal to the two boys
to give up poetry .
 With much irony and wit ,Horace advices the boys to put
their poetry in a closet for nine years before showing it to
the public.
 Horace, a master of the ironic prose, expresses contempt in
his letter for critics who flatter their patrons instead of
telling them the truth.
KEY POINTS TO THE TEXT
Horace offers an influential view of the proper
role of the critic.
 A critic is a whet stone against which poets can
sharpen their work.
 The purpose of the whetstone is not itself to
write great poetry ,but to teach the proper duty
and office of the poet.
 This includes censuring and editing poetry that
either uses the wrong material or handles that
material in an appropriate way.
 The laws that dictate what is not appropriate for
poetry constitute the central and foundational
notion of all neoclassical art: decorum.
HORACE AND THE RULES OF DECORUM
At the heart of decorum is the stipulation not to mix unlike
things.
 Horace illustrates this rule by scornfully lampooning the image
of the mermaid; such images ,he declares , are the work of
feverish minds.
 More specifically ,Horace attacks poets who mix genres, who
use comic subjects as the basis of a tragedy or vice versa.
 Each genre should have its own style that is natural to it. There
should be an unbroken ,clearly defined unity of action ,
character and mood.
 Indeed each given genre should have its own specific meter , a
meter with rhythmic sounds that closely mimic to the sense of
the poem.
 When writing on a traditional subject , modern poets must be
faithful to the literary precedents set by their poetic forebears.
What is fit or proper to be shown publically?
 Gory , explicit scenes must be kept off the stage :such scenes
of suffering should be related by a messenger.
 This rule was not followed in the theatre of Shakespeare.
 Related to decorum Horace’s comparison of poetry
and painting.
 As with painting ,some poems are best viewed close up ,while
others are better when seen from a distance : some best I n
shadows , others in light.
 In later neoclassical theory , this notion took on greater
significance.
 Other rules laid by Horace.
 The proper end of poetry is to please and teach.
 Poetry should be both concise and realistic.
  Horace’s rules for drama
 Plays should not begin at the beginning but should plunge in medias
res (in the middle of things).
 Plays should consists of five acts.
 They should not end with deus -ex machina.
 The chorus and choral songs should serve an integral function .
 These four criteria all express an organic view of drama.
 Like Aristotle ,Horace insisted that each part of a play be directly and
intimately related with all other parts and with the work as a whole.
 Nature and duties of the poet.
 The true poets combines genius and art; he is an inspired craftsman.
 Like an athlete ,he needs both native ability and rigorous training.
 The artisan poet must labor never to be mediocre.
 The best poets make it look easy; their works are so perfect and
unified.
The role of the poet

 He must please an often vulgar crowd while staying true to his

art.
 He must make a living without letting the love of money taint
his soul.
 The poet is the great civilizer to humanity; he tamed the best
within and established cities , laws and moral rules of conduct.
 He is a divine oracle to whom honor and fame are due.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Grant Showerman , Horace and His
Influence.
2. G. M. A. Grube , The Greek and The Roman
Critics. Chapter14.
3. Horace , Ars Poetica , in Adams.
THANK YOU
Prepared by ,
FIBY VARGHESE