Aristotles poetics keywords

Question 1

tragedy

Answer 1

sad stories, do not have happy endings, potential deaths of a good person, start off with hope, end in distress

Question 2

catharsis

Answer 2

a lot of emotions at once, particularly fear and pity

Question 3

mythos (plot)

Answer 3

most important element - aristotle emphasises that the plot is the most crucial element in a tragic drama

Question 4

tragic hero

Answer 4

• the main character of the play which all bad things happen to
• they always start off as good (usually a noble figure)
  -they have a hamartia (fatal flaw)
• at the end of the play, they have lost their reputation, morality etc.
• audience should feel some form of pity

Question 5

peripeteia

Answer 5

• reversal
• a sudden change in fortune
• often good to bad that occurs as a result of the tragic heroes actions
• seen as the turning point of the play

Question 6

anagnorisis

Answer 6

• recognition
• tragic hero recognises their tragic flaw and the consequences of their actions

Question 7

suffering

Answer 7

• the moment the hero suffers as a consequence of their actions
• usually death or suicide, but occasionally exile