As a mathematician, I thoroughly understand Aristotle's desire to put a firm definition on what poetry is and what it isn't-- it's what we call "defining parameters." Math and poetry, although most consider them from two different worlds, actually have a great deal in common. Both follow a very specific set of rules, both are considered completely foreign to some, and both attempt to grasp something bigger than themselves.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about poetry. On one hand, I appreciate the precise structure, but on the other hand, I don't see why it takes someone 140 syllables (in your standard sonnet, give or take a few depending on the poem type) to say what's on your mind. I'd much rather someone just tell me like it is. I feel like Aristotle was like this, too.
P.S. I commented on Dallas' and Daniel's posts.
Your approach fascinates me! As an opposite to all things mathematical, you capture me with your comparison of math and poetry. I'm interested seeing how your brain works- how poetry should have an explicitly pointed way of being done, and work within those bounds always. Coming from the other side of things, I want to defend the beauty and importance of poetry as it is. Could it limit the message of specific poems if it were to just say bluntly the point being made? Many times poetry carries twofold, threefold, fourfold messages within them. Also, the spinning of words in poetry leaves a door open to understanding themes, topics, messages in new and fresh ways or perspectives. If we were to just say what was up, couldn't that limit our opportunity of new and profound knowledge?
ReplyDeleteI do not exactly have a mathematical mind, but I definitely overthink things quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteThere is one thing, though, that intrigues me in the idea math. This idea is the mathematics of music and art (and also beauty). Just like poetry, music is extremely mathematical in design. As I read Aristotle's take on poetry, I think we could have had a nice conversation as well, though he probably was a little more type A.
In summary, math is not my strong suit but its sometimes overlooked implications can bring new meaning and depth to nye upon anything. I should probably pay more attention.