Aristotelian Tragedy

Question 1

Tragic Hero

Answer 1

A male of high social standing with a noble character- often nobility.

Question 2

Harmartia

Answer 2

A “tragic hero” within the tragic hero which leads to an error in action or judgement which causes the hero to fall. The character’s flaw must result from something that is also a central part to their virtue, which goes somewhat awry, usually due to a lack of knowledge.

Question 3

Peripetia

Answer 3

The “tragic recognition” of the hero. This is the moment of truth when the tragic hero has a epiphany and recognizes their own responsibility in their demise. Aristotle stated the “a man cannot be a hero until he can see the root of his downfall”.

Question 4

Pweipetia

Answer 4

The ironic turning point of the plot; a sudden change in circumstances.

Question 5

Pathos

Answer 5

The audience reacting to great emotional feeling or suffering. It is an appeal to emotion and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response to the action witnessed.

Question 6

Catharsis

Answer 6

The purging or cleansing of pity and fear from the spectators to reduce these passions to a healthy, balanced proportion leaving the audience as better people for what they have experienced.

Question 7

Didacticism

Answer 7

Suffering+Tragedy=Ultimate Good

Aristotle believed that poetry had its foundation in the fact that humanity innately found pleasure in learning. This is where the audience obtains a heightened understanding of morals, values, and the ways of Gods and men.