Analysis of Ars Poetica, part 7

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The tragedy and comedy must have different themes and different forms of verse. These forms must not be interchanged or mixed with each other. Horace is of the view that it is not enough for a poem to have beauty but it should also be pleasing. Men faces smile by seeing other smiling faces and this is true for every other expression whether it be of happiness or of sorrow. Horace says that if a person wants him to smile than that person must smile first. Nature puts thoughts in the minds of the people. These thoughts create an emotion which is visible on their faces. This emotion can be of joy, excitement, sadness, pity, etc. After this when the person speaks, his words must resemble the expression of his face. If the thoughts and the emotions of a person do not match than it is likely that the audience will laugh at him.

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