Aristotles Theory of Tragedy

Aristotles Theory of Tragedy

1. Greek Philosopher

2. Born 384 BC, died 322 AD

3. With Plato & Socrates, Western Philosophy was founded

4. The Poetics

5. Thought to have created two books, one comedy, one tragedy. Only the tragedy survived.

6. Very different; Comedy had men less than average whilst the tragedy had men more than average

7. Tragedy is an imitation (mimesis) of an action that is serious and complete

8. Elements

9. Dramatic - not narrative. Shows not tells.

10. In order of importance: Plot, character, diction, thought, spectable, melody

11. Plot

12. Must be whole with a beginning, middle and end

13. Dependant on nothing outside of the play

14. Unity of Action: Each action lead to the next - no outside influence

15. Coincidence and irrational

16. Must be of a certain magnitude - length and seriousness

17. Simple or complex

18. Character

19. Supports the plot, renowned and prosperous

20. Good to bad

21. Result of great flaw (hamartia)

22. Character must be true to type, consistent once established

23. Idealism

24. Thought, diction and melody

25. Little is said other than how speech reveals character

26. THEME: Expression of meanings in words (Metaphors are very common)

27. Chorus should contribute to the unity of the plot

28. Catharsis

29. Purging of tragic emotions through pity and fear

30. Arouses feeling of pity and fear in order to get rid of excess and restore balance