Comparative Analysis of ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle's ‘Poetics’: Exploring Differences and Commonalities

Summary

The comparative analysis of ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ explores differences and commonalities in their approach to drama and literary theory, highlighting universal principles underlying the creation and appreciation of literature.

Highlights
🎭 Both ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ delve into drama and literary theory, addressing the nature and purpose of literature.
📚 They share similarities in discussing emotions, aesthetics, and the relationship between the work, performer, and audience.
🌍 Despite originating from distinct cultural contexts, both works contribute to a deeper understanding of universal principles in literature.
🤝 Global dialogues are encouraged through the celebration of diversity and collective wisdom in pursuit of artistic excellence.
Key Insights
🎨 Both ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ provide insights into the emotional impact of literature, emphasizing the role of art in evoking feelings and emotions in the audience. This highlights the universal nature of literature in connecting individuals through shared emotional experiences.
📖 The cultural differences in approach between ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ showcase unique perspectives on literary theory, contributing to a richer dialogue on the creation and appreciation of literature. By recognizing and embracing cultural diversity, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of artistic expression.
🌐 The intersection of Indian and Greek philosophies in ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ demonstrates the interconnectedness of literary traditions across different cultures. This fusion of ideas enhances our appreciation of the universal principles underlying the creation and enjoyment of literature.

1. Department of English Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University Date: 9 April 2024 Comparative Analysis of ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle's ‘Poetics’: Exploring Differences and Commonalities Sem 2 | Batch 2023-25 Presented by Yashrajsinh Sodha

2. Comparative Analysis of Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics: Exploring Differences and Commonalities Paper 109 : Literary Theory & Criticism and Indian Aesthetics Presented at : Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English MKBU, Bhavnagar

3. Personal Information Presented by: Yashrajsinh Sodha Enrollment Number: 5108230043 Email: [email protected] Batch: 2023-2025 Date: 09 April, 2024 Subject Code: 22402 Roll No: 28 (flaticon.com)

4. Table of contents 01 05 04 02 06 03 Natya Shastra Key Concepts in Aristotle's Poetics Similarities & Differences Poetics Conclusions K ey concepts in Natyashastra

5. Natya Shastra Natyashastra: Handbook on classical Sanskrit theatre attributed to Bharata, a mythic Brahman sage. Encompasses diverse arts: dance, music, poetics, aesthetics. Authored between 1st century BCE and 3rd century CE. Highlights Indian drama as a means of spiritual enlightenment and justificatio n. (Britannica)

6. Poetics Author: Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.) Subject: The Poetics, a book on drama and poetry. Influence: Despite criticism, Aristotle's Poetics has had a profound impact on literary theory and criticism throughout history. Legacy: The enduring relevance of the Poetics lies in its exploration of the nature and purpose of literature, shaping subsequent generations of writers and critics. (Sachs)

7. Pathya (text): Bharata mentions the term 'pathya' (text) as one of the constituents of drama in the Natyashastra. Geet (song): Bharata refers to 'geet' (song) as one of the constituents of drama in the Natyashastra. Abhinaya (presentation): Bharata uses the term 'abhinaya' (presentation) as one of the constituents of drama in the Natyashastra. Rasa (aesthetic pleasure): Bharata propounded the concept of 'rasa' (aesthetic pleasure) in the Natyashastra, which is a key concept in Indian aesthetic theory. K ey concepts in Natyashastra Bharata's well-known aphoristic phrase to conceptualize rasa: "Vibhava-anubhava-vyabhicaribhava-samyogad rasa-nispattih" (rasa is produced from a combination of Determinants, Consequents, and Transitory States). ( Bharat)

8. Imitation: Aristotle uses the term 'imitation' to refer to one of the constituents of drama in his Poetics. Language: He refers to 'language' as one of the constituents of drama in the Poetics. Presentation: He uses the term 'presentation' as one of the constituents of drama in his work. Catharsis: Aristotle propounded the term 'catharsis,' meaning the cleansing or purgation of emotions of pity and fear while defining tragedy. (Aristotle ) Key Concepts in Aristotle's Poetics Aristotle's definition of tragedy: "the imitation of an action, serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in a language beautified in different parts with different kinds of embellishments; through action and not narration, and through scenes of pity and fear bringing about the 'Catharsis' of these (or such like) emotions."

9. Both works delve into drama and literary theory. Aristotle's Poetics and Bharata's Natyashastra explore the nature, elements, and principles of drama. Both follow similar frameworks, addressing drama's constituents. Aristotle discusses 'imitation,' 'language,' 'presentation,' and 'catharsis,' while Bharata mentions 'pathya,' 'geet,' 'abhinaya,' and 'rasa' as drama components. Both aim to enhance pleasure and enjoyment in literary works. Aristotle's catharsis in tragedy and Bharata's rasa theory both seek to evoke emotions for aesthetic enjoyment. (Sharma) Similarities Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics

10. Both recognize emotions' importance and representation in literature. Aristotle emphasizes pity and fear, while Bharata outlines sthayibhavas and their manifestation for rasa. Both address the relationship between the work, performer, and audience. Aristotle discusses tragedy's impact through catharsis, while Bharata explores actors' role in conveying rasa to spectators. (Sharma) Similarities Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics

11. Differences Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics • Language and Cultural Context - Example: Natyashastra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text, while Poetics is a Greek philosophical work. • Time Period - Example: Natyashastra is dated between the 5th century BCE and 4th century CE, while Poetics is believed to be written between 335-322 BCE. • Emotional Range - Example: Aristotle focuses on the evocation of pity and fear in tragedy, while Bharata outlines eight principal emotions (sthayibhavas) and their manifestations. • Concept of Catharsis vs. Rasa - Example: Aristotle's catharsis involves the purgation of specific emotions, while Bharata's rasa encompasses a broader range of aesthetic experiences. (Sharma)

12. Differences Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics Theoretical Approach - Example: Aristotle's approach is more analytical and prescriptive, while Bharata's rasa theory is more comprehensive and inclusive. Role of the Audience/Spectator - Example: Aristotle discusses the impact of tragedy on the audience through catharsis, while Bharata explores the role of the spectator in experiencing rasa through the actor's portrayal. Cultural Context and Influences - Example: Aristotle's Poetics is influenced by Greek philosophy and literary traditions, while Natyashastra draws from Indian philosophical and aesthetic principles. (Sharma)

13. Comparative analysis of Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics reveals the rich diversity of literary traditions alongside the universality of certain aesthetic principles. Despite originating from distinct contexts, both works share a fundamental concern with exploring the nature and purposes of literature. While differences in approach highlight unique cultural perspectives, this discussion fosters a deeper understanding of literary theory and encourages global dialogues that celebrate diversity and collective wisdom in the pursuit of artistic excellence. ( Claude) C onclusion

14. References “History of Victorian Era Thesis Defense Presentation.” Slidesgo, slidesgo.com/theme/history-of-victorian-era-thesis-defense . Accessed 04 Apr. 2024. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin Publishing Group, 1996. Accessed 4 April 2024. Bharat. Bharatamunipraṇītam Nāṭyaśāstram. Chaukhamba Surabharati Prakashan, 2016. Accessed 4 April 2024. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Natyashastra". Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Natyashastra . Accessed 4 April 2024.

15. Claude, claude.ai/ . Accessed 04 Apr. 2024. Free Icons and Stickers - Millions of Images to Download, www.flaticon.com/free-icon/lecture_7905700 . Accessed 03 Apr. 2024. Sachs, Joe. “Aristotle: Poetics.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, iep.utm.edu/aristotle-poetics/ . Accessed 04 Apr. 2024. Sharma , Nirmala. “CATHARSIS AND RASA: THE INTERSECTING THEORIES.” Research Scholar-An International Refereed e-Journal of Literary Explorations, Research Scholar, Feb. 2016, researchscholar.co.in/downloads/11-mrs.--nirmala-sharma.pdf . Accessed 04 Apr. 2024. References

16. Thanks! Do you have any questions ?