Read the editors' background to Aristotle and his text Poetics, sections 1-15 (95-112). In addition, finish reading Sophocles's Oedipus Rex (33-end), and review the editors' background to Plato and the assigned excerpts from Ion, Republic, Books II, III, VII, and X (43-89). Then, in a response of at least 600 words, address the following questions:
First, discuss Socrates's attitude toward poetry in both Plato's Ion and Republic.
Next, compare and contrast Aristotle's attitude toward poetry in his text Poetics with that of Socrates.
In Poetics, Aristotle explicitly mentions Sophocles's Oedipus Rex several times. Is Aristotle's characterization of this tragic play positive or negative overall? Explain your response.
Finally, based on your reading of both Plato's texts and Sophocles's Oedipus Rex, do you think that Socrates would or would not allow Oedipus Rex to be performed in his ideal republic? Explain your response.
For full credit, please support your claims with
at least four direct quotations, one or more from each text, that is, Plato's Ion, Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Poetics, and Sophocles's Oedipus Rex (from the authors' texts themselves, not from the editors' introductions) as well as analysis/interpretation of these quotations.
Sample Solution