Describe the requirements of tragedy in the view of Aristotle.

Answer

Describe the requirements of tragedy in the view of Aristotle.

Aristotle (384-322 BC) clearly outlines the requirements of a good tragedy in “Poetics” (335 BCE). He says that tragedy is not just a sad story. It is a serious and complete action shown on stage. It should create pity and fear in the audience. At the end of a play,  these feelings are cleansed from the heart, too.

Mimesis (Imitation): Tragedy is an imitation of real-life actions. It shows human life and problems through a serious story. It is not just told like a story but acted out on stage. This imitation helps people to understand real emotions, duties, and decisions in life. Imitation must be an action as described here: 

“The objects the imitator represents are actions with agents who are necessarily either good men or bad.”

Catharsis (Emotional Cleansing): The main aim of tragedy is to create pity and fear in the audience. These strong feelings help the viewers to clean their hearts. This emotional cleaning is called catharsis. It gives peace to the mind after watching the pain of others.

Unity of Plot: Aristotle says the plot should be complete and well-organized. It must have a beginning, middle, and end. All events should be connected. The story must focus on one main action. A strong and simple plot creates more emotion than a mixed or broken story. About Plot, Aristotle says:

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

Hamartia (Tragic Flaw): The tragic hero should not be fully good or bad. He must be noble, but he makes a mistake. This mistake is called hamartia. It is not because of evil, but a wrong decision or weakness. This leads him to suffer and fall.

Peripeteia & Anagnorisis: Peripeteia means a sudden change in fortune. Anagnorisis means a discovery or understanding. These two parts make the plot more emotional. When the hero’s luck changes and he understands his mistake, the audience feels pity