Which theory of literary criticism is associated with Aristotle's Poetics?

The theory of literary criticism associated with Aristotle's Poetics emphasizes that the work must retain recognizable elements of reality to be understood. Aristotle asserted that tragedy, in particular, should represent actions that are serious and that unfold in a way that reflects actual human experiences and emotions. This reliance on recognizable elements allows the audience to relate to the characters and the situations presented, fostering a deeper emotional response and engagement with the narrative.

Aristotle's analysis of tragedy includes elements such as plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle, all of which are grounded in the real and the possible within human experience. This focus on reality helps to create a sense of catharsis, where the audience experiences a purification of emotions through the events of the play.

In contrast, the other options do not capture this fundamental idea as defined by Aristotle. The importance of a structured plot (the first choice) is indeed relevant, but it does not encapsulate the core aspect of recognizable reality. The idea that the artist's reward is more about audience admiration (the second choice) misrepresents Aristotle's focus on the inherent value of the art itself. Lastly, while rhetorical techniques can play a role in the presentation of meaning (the fourth choice), they do