Literature Network » Aristotle

Milton's preface to 'Samson Agonistes.' (John Milton)

Content courtesy of

From: The Explicator
Date: 19940101
Author:Hale, John K.

John Milton prefaced his dramatic poem, 'Samson Agonistes,' with a reference to Aristotle's definition of tragedy as having the power to purge the mind of passions by tempering and reducing them to 'just measure.' This reference to the cathartic power of tragedy is understood by analyzing the multiple meanings rendered by the words 'temper' and 'reduce.' The words carry mutually reinforcing meanings that metaphorically imply that catharsis is purification in a religious sense, enlightenment in an intellectual sense or homeopathic purging.

"Tragedy, as it was anciently compos'd, hath ever ...

Read the rest of this article with a Free Trial at HighBeam Research.

Other Articles on Aristotle

About Our Articles: We've partnered with Highbeam Research to provide these article excerpts for your research needs. However, due to copyright laws, we cannot publish the whole article. To view these articles in full length you'll need to use the link above to access the free trial at Highbeam.