Describe the Elements of Tragedy in the View of Aristotle.
Poetics is a notable literary work by Aristotle. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Poetics.
Answer
Describe the elements of tragedy in the view of Aristotle.
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) laid out his views on tragedy in his work “Poetics.” His insights have influenced literary criticism and understanding of dramatic arts for centuries. According to Aristotle, a tragedy is a form of drama that depicts the downfall of a noble hero. This arouses pity and fear in the audience and ultimately leads to a catharsis.
The Noble Hero: Central to Aristotle’s concept of tragedy is the tragic hero, who is a person of noble birth with virtuous qualities. This hero possesses a hamartia, or tragic flaw, which leads to his downfall. Despite his good intentions, the hero’s flaw causes him to make a grave mistake. This combination of nobility and vulnerability makes the audience empathize with the hero’s fate. Aristotle Says:
A man who is not eminently good and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by vice or depravity, but by some error or frailty.
The Plot: Aristotle considered the plot to be the most essential element of a tragedy. Aristotle says about plot,
For by plot I here mean the arrangement of the incidents.
A well-constructed plot should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part logically following from the previous one. Key elements of the plot include peripeteia (a reversal of fortune) and anagnorisis (a moment of critical discovery). These elements help to create the emotional impact of the story.
The Emotions of Pity and Fear: According to Aristotle, the purpose of tragedy is to arouse the emotions of pity and fear in the audience. Pity is felt for the tragic hero, who suffers more than he deserves, while fear arises from recognising that similar misfortune could befall anyone.
In termination, these principles have shaped how we understand and appreciate tragic stories. It highlights the human experience of suffering and the possibility of redemption through emotional engagement and catharsis.