Describe the Elements of Tragedy in the View of Aristotle. 

Answer

Describe the elements of tragedy in the view of Aristotle. 

Aristotle (384-322 BC) says that tragedy is a serious and complete story. It is shown on stage, not told like a storybook. Its aim is to create pity and fear. These emotions help to clean our heart. According to the author, a tragedy has six important parts or elements. In his book “Poetics” (335 BCE), he discusses these elements.

Plot (Mythos): Plot is the most important part of tragedy. It means the story or the order of events. The plot should have a beginning, middle, and end. It should be complete and meaningful. A good plot creates strong emotions like pity and fear in the audience. About Plot, Aristotle says:

“…Now a whole is that which has a beginning, a middle and an end.”

Character (Ethos): Character comes after plot. It means the moral choices of the people in the play. A good character shows what is right or wrong through actions. The hero should not be fully good or fully bad. He should be like us, but with some mistakes. The importance of character in a tragedy is as follows: 

“The plot, then, is the first essential of tragedy, its life-blood, so to speak, and character takes the second place.”

Thought (Dianoia): Thought means the ideas or messages in the tragedy. It shows what the characters think or believe. It includes logic, advice, or common truths. The thought gives meaning to the actions and helps the audience understand the play better.

Diction (Lexis): Diction means the use of words in the play. It includes word choice, sentence style, and dialogue. Good diction makes the lines beautiful and clear. It helps to express emotions and ideas. Both poetry and prose can have good diction.

Spectacle (Opsis): Spectacle means what we see on stage. This includes costumes, lights, stage design, and actions. Aristotle says spectacle is the least important. It depends on stage work, not poetry. A good tragedy can still