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Aristotle wrote of tragedy "Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its katharsis of such emotions. . . . Every Tragedy, therefore, must have six parts, which parts determine its quality-namely, Plot, Characters, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, Melody."

He believed the medium of tragedy is drama, not narrative, and that tragedy shows rather than tells. Tragedy "is rooted in the fundamental order of the universe and creates a cause-and-effect chain that clearly reveals what may happen at any time or place because that is the way the world operates. Tragedy therefore arouses not only pity but also fear, because the audience can envision themselves within this cause-and-effect chain."

To learn more visit http://www2.cnr.edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics.html

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What is the essential purpose of tragedy according to Aristotle?

The essential purpose of tragedy according to Aristotle is to evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a catharsis or purging of these emotions.


What are the Formative elements of tragedy according to Aristotle?

According to Aristotle, the formative elements of tragedy include plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song. The plot is considered the most important element, followed by character and thought. Aristotle believed that a well-structured plot with a strong beginning, middle, and end, along with well-developed characters and a balance of these elements, would create a successful tragedy.


What is aristotle's theory of tragedy?

Aristotle's theory of tragedy, outlined in his work "Poetics," asserts that tragedy is characterized by the depiction of a protagonist's fall from greatness to ruin due to a tragic flaw (hamartia). Tragedy invokes feelings of catharsis in the audience, purging them of negative emotions through pity and fear. Aristotle also emphasizes the importance of unity of plot, character, and theme in creating a successful tragedy.


What according to Aristotle are the six elements of tragedy?

Aristotle identified six elements of tragedy: plot, character, thought, diction, song, and spectacle. He believed that these elements must be well-crafted and effectively combined to produce a successful tragedy that evokes emotions like pity and fear in the audience.


According to Aristotle what was catharsis?

Catharsis, according to Aristotle, is the purging of emotions such as pity and fear through the experience of witnessing tragedy in art. He believed that this experience can bring about a sense of emotional renewal and relief in the audience.

Related Questions

What is the essential purpose of tragedy according to Aristotle?

The essential purpose of tragedy according to Aristotle is to evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a catharsis or purging of these emotions.


According to Aristotle the audience of a Greek tragedy feels pity for?

the hero


According to the definitions of Aristotle, the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a(n)?

Comedy. (I know!) Tragedy


According to the definitions of Aristotle the musical play West Side Story is a?

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According to the definitions of Aristotle the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is an?

tragedy


According to Aristotle what should an audience feel during a tragedy?

Pity and fear


According to Aristotle the audience of a tragedy should feel which emotions?

Pity and fear


What are the Formative elements of tragedy according to Aristotle?

According to Aristotle, the formative elements of tragedy include plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song. The plot is considered the most important element, followed by character and thought. Aristotle believed that a well-structured plot with a strong beginning, middle, and end, along with well-developed characters and a balance of these elements, would create a successful tragedy.


According to the definitions of Aristotle the musical play West Side Story is an?

tragedy - apex


How did Greek Philosopher Aristotle describe tragedy?

Greek philosophy describes tragedy as an "imitation of an action"


According to Aristotle viewers experience when they purge their emotions of while watching a?

According to Aristotle, viewers experience catharsis when they purge their emotions of pity and fear while watching a tragedy.


What is aristotle's theory of tragedy?

Aristotle's theory of tragedy, outlined in his work "Poetics," asserts that tragedy is characterized by the depiction of a protagonist's fall from greatness to ruin due to a tragic flaw (hamartia). Tragedy invokes feelings of catharsis in the audience, purging them of negative emotions through pity and fear. Aristotle also emphasizes the importance of unity of plot, character, and theme in creating a successful tragedy.