Dr. Ramirez
Theory and Criticism
Write for 10 minutes on Aristotle's Character and apply it to either Montezuma or to Acacis.


Review of introduction to Theory
Critical conversation begins with Plato about the value of literature
Other critics have wondered what purpose literature and art serve
Various periods:
Classical/antiquity
late classical-18th century (Enlightenment)
20th century

Approaches:
Sophists--literature is a function of language
mimetic-Plato
rhetorical-Horace, Dryden
expressive-Frye, Marx

Major revolutions that parallel revolution in science
Use of Paradigms and Maps to approach literature


Discussion of Plato 427-347 BC
Eternal Forms--Justice, Truth, Beauty
Artists have no place in the ideal state, except as creators of hymns
Use of dialogue to reveal truth
philosophy is the highest form of thought and should be used as a guide

Hierarchy of creation:


John Dryden's The Indian Queen (1664)
Setting:
Ynca's court, Peru
Characters:
Amexia, Indian Queen
Zempoalla, Usurping Indian Queen
Traxalla, her right hand man
Acacis, Zempoalla's son and Montezuma's rival
Montezuma, Stranger to and Warrior for Ynca (revealed to be Amexia's son)
Ynca, Peruvian King
Orazia, his daughter