The earliest known philosophical work to focus on literary theory as we understand it today, Aristotle's Poetics takes a look at the various ingredients that make up a successful work of literature. Aristotle certainly doesn't see all of these ingredients as equally important—for him, it's narrative that's the benchmark of success.
The types of works that Aristotle discusses include works of drama (especially tragedy) and lyrical and epic poetry. Okay, so Poetics may have been written way back in the days of ancient Greece, but it's a lot easier to read that you'd imagine, and you'll be surprised how relevant it still is today.
Aristotle is all about narrative. He sees spectacle as the least important factor in a successful tragedy. What are his reasons for thinking this way? And do you agree?
What does Aristotle mean by "mimesis," and why does he see this quality as being so important?