classical unity

classical unity (plural classical unities)

1. (chiefly in the plural) Any of the three rules for drama derived from Aristotle's Poetics: unity of action (a play should have one action that it follows, with minimal subplots), unity of time (the action should occur over a period of no more than 24 hours), and unity of place (a play should exist in a single physical space and should not attempt to compress geography, nor should the stage represent more than one place).

   Synonyms: Aristotelian unity, dramatic unity

   • 1980, Earl F. Bargainnier, The Gentle Art of Murder: The Detective Fiction of Agatha Christie:

     Besides this almost classical unity of place, the closed circle also can, if the author desires, provide the classical unity of time; this occurs particularly when the detective is amateur, for the isolation frees him from the rules and regulations […]