The idea that poetry should both instruct and delight is famously associated with the Roman poet Horace. This concept comes from his work "Ars Poetica" (The Art of Poetry), where he emphasizes that poetry should be both pleasing and useful. Horace argued that good poetry should delight the reader while also offering moral or intellectual instruction.
Aristotle: While he wrote extensively on poetry, particularly in his work "Poetics," his focus was more on the nature of tragedy and the elements that constitute a good poem rather than explicitly stating that poetry should both instruct and delight.
Plotinus: As a philosopher, Plotinus's work was more focused on Neoplatonism and metaphysical topics, rather than on literary theory or the purposes of poetry.
Longinus: Known for his work "On the Sublime," Longinus discussed the nature of elevated language and its emotional effects but did not specifically advocate that poetry should both instruct and delight.
Year-wise PYQs
