Title: An Essay on Criticism

Subject: Week 11: Alexander Pope Pdf pages 25 to 33

Date: 21,03,24

<aside> 💡 Key Points:

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<aside> ✏️ Notes:

Questions:

  1. Alexander Pope insanın varoluşu hakkında ne diyor?
  2. Literary critics hakkında ne diyor?
  3. What is Nature for Pope?
  4. What is a good writer, poet and How can we define good critic, good book?

Main lecture notes

"Once on a time La Mancha’s knight, they say, A certain bard encountering on the way, Discoursed in terms as just, with looks as sage, As e’er could Dennis, of the Grecian stage; Concluding all were desperate sots and fools, Who durst depart from Aristotle’s rules. Our author, happy in a judge so nice, Produced his play, and begged the knight’s advice; Made him observe the subject, and the plot, The manners, passions, unities, what not?"1

In this passage, a knight (referred to as “La Mancha’s knight”, possibly a reference to Don Quixote) encounters a bard. The bard, who is knowledgeable about the rules of Aristotle, criticizes those who dare to deviate from these rules. The author then presents his play to the knight and asks for his advice, inviting him to observe various aspects of the work. This exchange reflects Pope’s views on the importance of adhering to established literary conventions and the value of informed criticism

Write it during the class

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<aside> 📎 Summary:

A brief summary and conclusion about the notes/lecture

  1. Alexander Pope insanın varoluşu hakkında ne diyor?
  2. Literary critics hakkında ne diyor?
  3. What is Nature for Pope?
  4. What is a good writer, poet and How can we define good critic, good book?
    1. Wit: Wit refers to the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way. It can also refer to a person who is skilled at using words in this manner1. Wit can also refer to intelligence and the ability to think quickly1.
    2. Human mind: This is a broad topic that encompasses our cognitive abilities, emotions, consciousness, and the complex interactions between these elements.
    3. Neoclassical ideas: Neoclassical economics is a broad theory that focuses on supply and demand as the driving forces behind the production, pricing, and consumption of goods and services2. It emerged around 1900 to compete with earlier theories of classical economics2.
    4. Universal ideas of poetry: Themes in poetry are universal ideas, lessons, or messages explored throughout a work of literature. They express broader truths about human experience that readers can apply to their own lives3.
    5. Nature as the ultimate goal: This concept suggests that nature is the ultimate source of inspiration and understanding. It is often seen as the ultimate truth or reality, and many works of literature explore themes related to nature4.
    6. Unerring Nature: This phrase appears in Alexander Pope’s “An Essay on Criticism”. It refers to the idea that nature is a clear, unchanged, and universal light, and is the source, end, and test of art567.
    7. Human nature in literature: Literature often explores themes related to human nature, such as our desires, motivations, and behaviors. It can provide insights into the human condition and our shared experiences89.
    8. Use of heroic couplet: A heroic couplet is a pair of rhyming lines that is present in a heroic poem or that relays themes of heroism within a larger poem. Heroic couplets generally consist of two lines written in iambic pentameter10.
    9. Heroic couplet vs. blank verse: Heroic couplets, with their clear structure and rhyme scheme, can provide a rhythmic and memorable framework for expressing ideas. In contrast, blank verse, which does not rhyme, can offer more flexibility and naturalness. The choice between the two often depends on the poet’s intentions and the specific needs of the poem10.
    10. Rules of old: This could refer to traditional rules or conventions in literature, such as specific poetic forms or narrative structures. These rules are often based on longstanding literary traditions11.
    11. Comparison of Homer with nature: The works of Homer, particularly the Iliad and the Odyssey, are rich with descriptions of the natural world. The Homeric imagery often represents nature as an integral force that guides and directs humans12.
    12. General vs Particular: This could refer to the literary technique of moving from general observations or statements to specific instances, or vice versa. This technique can be used to highlight contrasts, develop arguments, or create a particular narrative effect.
    13. Evaluating the work of art as a whole not with part: This suggests the importance of considering a work of art in its entirety, rather than focusing solely on individual parts. This holistic approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the work’s themes, structure, and artistic techniques.
    14. Intentional fallacy: This term refers to the idea that the meaning or value of a work of art should not be determined solely based on the artist’s intentions. Instead, the work should be evaluated on its own merits, independent of the artist’s stated or presumed goals.

Write it after the class

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