Question

Which of the following statements are correct? A. Aristotle wrote Poetics. B. Longinus wrote On Imitation. C. Plato's Republic celebrates poets as guides of truth. D. Horace wrote Ars Poetica. E. Aristotle defined catharsis only for comedy.

• A. A and B Only
• B. A, B and D Only
• C. B and E Only
• D. A and D Only

Hint:

Aristotle wrote Poetics, and Horace wrote Ars Poetica.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question asks us to evaluate five statements (A through E) concerning key figures and texts of Classical Greek and Roman literary criticism to identify the correct subset.

Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
The analytical approach involves assessing each statement based on classical critical texts. We check the authorship of Poetics, On the Sublime, and Ars Poetica, as well as Plato's views on poetry in The Republic and Aristotle's definition of catharsis.

Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:

• Aristotle wrote the foundational treatise Poetics, which analyzes the elements of tragedy, comedy, and epic poetry. This confirms Statement A is correct.

• Statement B is incorrect because Longinus is traditionally credited with writing the treatise On the Sublime (Peri Hypsous), not a work called On Imitation.

• Statement C is incorrect because in Plato's The Republic (specifically Book X), poets are banned from the ideal state for presenting corrupting imitations of reality, rather than being celebrated as guides of truth.

• Horace wrote the verse epistle Ars Poetica (The Art of Poetry), which established rules for classical composition. This confirms Statement D is correct.

• Statement E is incorrect because Aristotle defined the concept of catharsis (emotional purgation of pity and fear) specifically in relation to tragedy, not comedy.

• Therefore, only statements A and D are correct.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
The correct statements are A and D, corresponding to option (D).
The correct option is (D) A and D Only.