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Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy

 

Tragedy, 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; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions.

 

                   Aristotle. The Poetics, Part VI.

         Translated into English by S. H. Butcher

Imitation-  an attempt to capture the essence of real life in front of audience.

 

Pity-  the feeling of pain one experiences when watching another suffer. (feeling sad or sorrow)


Fear- the sense of panic or loss of self in terror (for any character).


Purgation- Purification of an emotion (when something harmful is forcefully removed).

 

 

 

Popular Terms of Aristotle :

 Anagnorisis 

its a crucial moment in a drama (tragedy) in which the central character realises or discovers the truth.


Peripetia

a sudden reversal of situation / change in fortune or circumstances.


Hamartia 

 Tragic flaw (a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a hero/ heroin)

 

 

 

 

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