Final answer:
The dramatic purpose of a poet in a play is to help outline the plot, contextualize events, and contribute to the thematic depth by evoking emotions like fear and pity. Their presence reflects on the playwright's skill in narrative and emotional engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dramatic purpose of a poet appearing in an Act 4 scene 3 of a play could serve multiple functions within the narrative. One primary purpose might be to advance and sketch the general outline of the play's plot through the exposition of events and characters. The poet may introduce elements of the story that are not part of the main action but are essential for moving the plot forward or for contextualizing the situation faced by the main characters, as seen in the example of the Iphigenia plot summary provided. Furthermore, the poet's presence could also contribute to the thematic depth by providing commentary or insights into the play's moral and ethical questions, enhancing the theatrical experience beyond mere spectacle.
Such a character might also serve to evoke emotions of fear and pity from the audience, either through their words or simply by their involvement in dramatic incidents. Thus, a playwright might use a poet character to fulfill these and other creative or narrative needs, ensuring the play achieves its intended emotional and intellectual impact.
Recognition of the poet's function in the narrative of a play emphasizes the importance of coherent plot construction and effective emotional engagement with the audience. The inclusion of a poet implies not only a strategic narrative choice but also reflects the playwright's poetic craftsmanship in blending various elements to craft a compelling tragedy.