Runoudesta

A literary work written in the early 20th century, specifically in 1904, reflecting ancient Roman poetic principles and techniques. This book is essentially a philosophical treatise on the art of poetry, presenting Horace's insights and rules concerning poetic craftsmanship. It serves as a guide for poets, emphasizing the importance of coherence, structure, and thematic unity in poetry. In this work, Horace addresses his esteemed audience, likely the Pisos, and conveys his thoughts on various aspects of poetry, including general rules and specific guidelines for dramatic poetry. The text outlines principles for creating poetry that resonates with audiences while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Horace discusses the significance of character consistency, the appropriateness of tone for different literary forms, and the relationship between poetry and humanity's shared experiences. Through vivid metaphors and examples from both Greek and Roman literature, he elucidates how poets should approach their craft to evoke genuine emotional responses while cautioning against the perils of disjointed or inappropriate thematic choices.