Poetic Imitation: The Argument of Republic 10

Abstract The paper offers a new reading of the argument against poetry in Republic 10. I argue that Socrates’ corruption charges rely on the tripartite theory of the soul, and that metaphysical doctrines play a role only in the first charge, which demonstrates that the poets are not qualified to teach by reducing tragic poetry to mimetic skill. This accusation clears the way for two corruption charges: the strengthening of appetite, and the softening of spirit (i.e., ‘the greatest charge’). The former focuses on the dangerous association between the poets and the largest appetitive class in the city ( hoi polloi ), while the latter focuses on the corruption of the educated elite ( hoi epieikeis ).