A Short View of Tragedy

Thomas Rymer, an English literary critic of the 17th century, coined the term "poetic justice". He believed that literature should uphold moral principles and instruct readers in correct behavior. Poetic justice refers to an outcome where vice is punished and virtue is rewarded, often in an ironic or fitting manner.123

In his work A Short View of Tragedy (1693), Rymer criticized contemporary plays for not adhering to classical tragedy principles and advocated for a return to the style of Greek tragedy. His Neoclassical approach emphasized rationality and the clear mechanics of poetic justice, moving away from the moral ambiguity found in earlier theories of tragedy. Rymer's influence was significant in the 18th century, though he was later ridiculed.24