Why is Aristotle’s Poetics still relevant today? And how to use it in your MBA application essay
According to Aaron Sorkin’s masterclass.com lecture, if any story does not work, it is because the writer is not adhering to the elements Aristotle laid our for us more than 2000+ years ago. These particular principles apply to any kind of story telling, be it plays, TV scripts, movies, short stories, and even… MBA application essays.
Here’s why MBA applicants should know Aristotle’s guidelines: According to Sorkin, if a story, in this case your MBA application essay, is not working, and you can’t put your finger on why — the reason usually is that you left one of the rules out, or you broke them. Either way, something in your MBA application essay is not working so let’s try to diagnose why with these ten structural rules.
Rule #1
A good story has a beginning, middle and end. Aristotle was the first to formulate this well known formula. It’s existed for over 2000 years for a reason. The reader of your MBA application essay should be able to see your story without being distracted by wondering what happened before the story started. Or worse, what else happened after the story ended. And most importantly, how the character, in this case you, got from the beginning to the end.
Rule #2
The story of your essay should be serious, complete and of a certain magnitude. The essay shouldn’t include a series of ridiculous unlikely episodes. It shouldn’t wander or leave actions unfinished. Your essay should also not be too long and lofty, nor should it be too small and unimportant.
Rule #3
Unify the plot of your essay. In other words, your story needs to consist of one central action and nothing more. Aristotle’s test of this was to ask of every element of the story (every scene, line of dialogue): If this was gone, would the story still function? If the answer’s always ‘no’ — you’ve written a unified plot.
Rule #4
One thing should lead to another. Aristotle thinks the worst mistake you can make in plotting is to have episodes “succeed one another without probable or necessary sequence.” Remember, each scene or scenario in your essay should have a purpose — it should move the story forward.
Rule #5
Use cause and effect, not coincidence. Good stories are driven by the actions of their characters, in this case you. They are not driven by coincidences or forces outside of the main action. Aristotle cautioned against the use of Deus Ex Machina — where a hero is saved by a stroke of good luck that has no relation to his/her own activities over the course of the drama.
Rule #6
Do not go too big or too small to prevent loosing the audience. A good story should be easy enough for the reader to digest in one sitting. According to Sorkin, it should be large enough that they have to pay attention but not so large that the reader looses track of crucial details before the story’s down.
Rule #7
Complex plots are great and they contain two elements: reversals and recognitions. A reversal is an ironic twist or change when a characters intentions result in unexpected and opposite outcomes. A recognition usually comes as a surprise to the character and the audience. It is when the character is destroyed not by what happens, but by the knowledge of what really happened. An example of this is where the character changes from ignorance to knowledge.
Rule #8
Probable impossibilities are better than improbable possibilities. According to Sorkin, if you’re wondering whether a scene or an element of a story is too ridiculous for your audience, don’t ask, “Could it happen?” Instead ask, “Would it happen?”
Rule #9
Fill in the gaps of your story, which should always in this case, be based on facts. But make sure to fill in the story gaps, as the reader will be more perceptive when they’re fully engaged. Don’t leave out any glaring errors for the reader to pick up on.
Rule #10
Stay far away from narration. Stay away from “telling” your audience too much. No reader wants to be spoon fed, or feel as if their intellect is being undermined. Rather focus on showing what the character/you wants through their actions and scenarios, rather than telling them what they/you want.
Interested in reading the full text of Aristotle’s Poetics? The Internet Classics Archive has provided the full text here.
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