Poetics in the Age of Gods: Reconsideration and Understanding of the Poetic Thought of Plato and Aristotle

Author: Li Ping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Ancient Greek poetics is the source of various later theories, not only having a profound impact in the West but also holding significant importance for academic research in China. This book, through a comparative analysis of the poetics of Plato and Aristotle—representative figures of Ancient Greek poetics—discusses the formal and developmental aspects of Ancient Greek poetics, as well as the distinctive features of its religious background. It provides an in-depth examination and exploration of key concepts and categories in Ancient Greek poetics, such as "Forms," "inspiration," "spirit," "poet," "mimesis," and "fiction." On this foundation, it offers a thorough elaboration on the "theory of style," "ontology," "theory of creation," and "theory of reception," offering great assistance to theoretical researchers.
Postscript: My interest in literary theory originated in my youth. I have witnessed on multiple occasions the moving scene of the renowned literary theorist Geng Yong, who, despite being in dire straits, remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge, leaving a deep impression on my heart. However, choosing Ancient Greek poetics as a further research topic was something that only happened in recent years. Three years ago, under the guidance of Professor Sun Jingyao, I began pursuing a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory. Professor Sun offered a course titled "Topics in Western Literary Theory," in which he addressed many important issues in the history of Western poetics, naturally including Ancient Greek poetics. Whenever we encountered theoretical difficulties, Professor Sun would share insightful and inspiring words that deeply impressed us, encouraging us to explore further. Professor Sun is a stern teacher. He often emphasized the importance of "critical awareness!" This required us, in our studies and research, not to blindly accept the past or engage in superficial work, but to strive to produce truly valuable insights through rigorous intellectual labor. Through my regular teaching and research, I have found that Ancient Greek poetics, as the origin of literary theory, is a formidable stronghold—one that serves as both a theoretical foundation and a basis for explaining and organizing other theoretical branches. However, for some complex and challenging issues within it that deserve serious attention, explanations in the Chinese context often appear overly simplistic or are simply ignored. This has made many discussions that should be comprehensive and meaningful (including teaching) seem and ineffective.
Given my previous experience in compiling a small handbook on poetics theory, I had the idea of using Ancient Greek poetics as my research subject. In the autumn of 2001, the famous French philosopher Jacques Derrida visited Shanghai. During a welcome event hosted by the French Consulate, Professor Sun had a conversation with Mr. Wang Yuanhua. When Mr. Wang Yuanhua heard that the students would be conducting research on individual theoretical issues under Professor Sun’s guidance, he encouraged them, saying: "That’s exactly what is needed—specific, focused research." Mr. Wang Yuanhua is a revered scholar whom I deeply admire, and his words further solidified my research intentions. At the end of the course, I proposed the idea of using my research on Ancient Greek poetics as my doctoral dissertation, which was met with Professor Sun’s understanding and support. I first spent time compiling A Chronological Study of Plato and Aristotle’s Poetics, and then immersed myself in the formal writing process. During this time, I received meticulous guidance from my supervisor, Professor Sun Jingyao.
However, the study of Ancient Greek knowledge is like the vast ocean. Although I had years of foundational knowledge in literary theory, conducting specialized research on Ancient Greek poetics was entirely new to me. Amidst the vast sea of books, the profound and often bewildering theories left me feeling lost and exhausted. It was Professor Hamilton’s passionate work, The Greek Spirit—The Source of Western Civilization, that repeatedly rekindled my intellectual vigor, giving me the determination to continue exploring this theoretically rich classical topic. I am fully aware that the words here are merely a beginning. Despite the grand scope of the subject, my personal academic and intellectual capabilities will undoubtedly leave room for improvement. Yet, this work has already ignited my research enthusiasm, and I will continue to explore from this starting point, making my unremitting efforts.
On the occasion of this book’s publication, I extend my sincere gratitude and deep respect to Professors Zhu Liyuan, Zheng Kelu, Xie Tianzhen, Lu Shuyuan, Wang Jiren, Ye Huayan, Liu Fengjie, and Yan Ming. The Shanghai People’s Publishing House has a long tradition of publishing monographs on Ancient Greek studies, and the colleagues who assisted in this academic endeavor deserve my heartfelt thanks for making this book possible.
Li Ping
August 2004, after returning from a European tour
at Lüshijie Garden