Metaphor in Aristotle and Its Emotional Potential

Abstract

The aim of this study is to contribute to the existing interpretations of the Aristotelian metaphor by offering an alternative perspective. The traditional interpretations defend the notion that the metaphor possesses cognitive and ornamental value. In contrast, this study proposes an ʻemotivistʼ interpretation, asserting that the transferred meaning, utilized in the domain of poetry, is capable of eliciting emotional pleasure. Specifically, the metaphor contributes to obtaining the διὰ μιμήσεως …ἡδονήν, described in chapter 14 of Aristotle’s Poetics, which constitutes the goal of every successful tragedy (καλλίστη τραγῳδία). In order to accomplish this objective, the focus will be directed towards ascertaining the essence of the cognitive and emotional process that, according to the Stagirite, emanates from the utilization of μεταφορά. This inquiry will commence with the most encompassing acknowledgment of all instances of the term that are extant within the Corpus Aristotelicum and subsequently proceed with a thorough examination of the exposition that Aristotle proffers concerning it, particularly in the context of his discourse on the poetic λέξις and its analogical, mimetic, and symbolic values.