Analysis of Ars Poetica, part 17

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The function of a poet is either to instruct or to delight or to benefit himself. Most of the poets write in order to teach and to delight. When the poet is instructing, he should use short sentences because extended sentences make the people difficult to grasp what is said. Only those words should be used by the poet which are of significance. Unnecessary words should be avoided. The fictions used by the poets in order to instruct must be made as close to the real life as possible. Plots should not be constructed in such a manner so as to present any thing unbelievable. For instance, a live boy must not be drawn out from the body of a lamia which has just dined on him. The wise men always discarded such plays which were devoid of moral. The Knights despised dull plays. Thus if a person wants to succeed, he must make sure that his plays are not only delightful but also full of moral. If a person succeeds in making such a play then he will achieve wealth and fame in abundance.

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