Lit Theory Review – Horace – Ars Poetica

     Ars Poetica is an argument supportive of poetry.  Horace considered poetry an art, and as such, believed rules and decorum were paramount in its creation and presentation.  He supported the creative act, but suggested poetry should be unified and authors should only write to what they know about.   Poetry needed to be more than beautiful; it also needed to direct the audience towards its will.  There also needed to be unity between what was said and emotional expression.    

     Horace admired the artistic attitudes of the Greeks and Romans.  He viewed commercial works as tainted, affirmed that whatever was crafted for pleasure should be near the truth, and to be brief and concise.  He also noted that poetry does not allow for the mediocre.  Only those works that were well crafted would hold the audience’s attention and respect.  Horace viewed poetry as the fusion of art and nature crafted by a skilled artisan. 

     At its best, poetry would speak to moral teaching while having the ability to “Delight and Instruct” its audience.