Aristotle and the tragic genre Flashcards
1
Q
Who was Aristotle?
A
Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher whose book THE POETICS detailed and analysed the main aspects of Greek Tragedy.
2
Q
What did Aristotle say about tragedy?
A
“Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is admirable, complete and possesses magnitude…in the form of action, not through narration; effecting through pity and fear the purification of such emotions”.
3
Q
What are the conventions of tragedy?
A
- Noble character that makes a mistake.
- Downfall of character as the hero is punished severely.
- In the end, the hero gains self-knowledge and redeems their reputation.
4
Q
Wash Shakespeare influenced by Aristotle?
A
Yes
5
Q
What did Aristotle say tragic protagonists must have for pity, horror and pleasure to be evoked from the audience?
A
Tragic protagonists must have qualities we can relate to.
6
Q
What are the three unities?
A
Tragedies should observe the three unities:
Time
Place
Action
7
Q
A
