parts himself in order to enter into vivid sympathy with the
dramatis personae.
(2) To sketch the bare outline of the action before proceeding
to fill in the episodes.
The Episodes of Tragedy are here incidentally contrasted
with those of Epic Poetry.
XVIII. Further rules for the Tragic Poet:
(1) To be careful about the Complication () and Dénuement () of the Plot; especially the Dénouement.
(2) To unite, if possible, varied forms of poetic excellence.
(3) Not to overcharge a Tragedy with details appropriate
to Epic Poetry.
(4) To make the Choral Odes—like the Dialogue—an organic
part of the whole.
XIX. Thought (), or the Intellectual element, and Diction in
Tragedy.
Thought is revealed in the dramatic speeches
composed according to the rules of Rhetoric.
Diction falls largely within the domain of the Art of
Delivery, rather than of Poetry.
XX. Diction, or Language in general. An analysis of the parts of speech, and other grammatical details. (Probably interpolated.)
XXI. Poetic Diction. The words and modes of speech admissible
in Poetry : including Metaphor, in particular.
A passage probably interpolated on the Gender of Nouns.
XXII. (Poetic Diction continued.) How Poetry combines elevation of
language with perspicuity.
XXIII. Epic Poetry. It agrees with Tragedy in Unity of Action: herein
contrasted with History.
XXIV. (Epic Poetry continued.) Further points of agreement with
Tragedy. The points of difference are enumerated and illustrated,
namely, (1) the length of the poem ; (2) the metre;
(3) the art of imparting a plausible air to incredible fiction.
XXV. Critical Objections brought against Poetry, and the principles on which they are to be answered. In particular, an elucidation of the meaning of Poetic Truth, and its difference from common reality.
XXVI. A general estimate of the comparative worth of Epic Poetry and Tragedy. The alleged defects of Tragedy are not essential to it. Its positive merits entitle it to the higher rank of the two.
