“Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament. . . in the form of action, not of narrative; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its catharsis of such emotions.” Aristotle
Must excite pity and fear – one who is neither evil nor extremely virtuous; misfortune for the Tragic Figure is brought about not by vice or depravity, but by some error or frailty – his Tragic Flaw.
Be extraordinary, not typical
The stuff of tragedy must be serious – must be something monumental such as the assassination of a President which significantly alters all our lives; it must have profound consequences involving people whose fate affects many beyond themselves; it is a public event rather than a private event.
Some error or frailty which brings about the Tragic Figure’s misfortune
Must be a noble King or Ruler (but the audience should be able to identify with the hero)
Must have a tragic flaw: Hubris (Pride)
Downfall must be caused by his own actions and must be a result of his tragic flaw
Must have recognition of his own demise
He should die with honor and courage
Aristotle says tragedy should be expressed in poetry – the highest form of expression in Aristotle’s time
A pivotal or crucial action on the part of the protagonist that changes the situation from seemingly secure to vulnerable.
“expression of the meaning in words” which are proper and appropriate to the plot, characters, and the end of the tragedy.
Aristotle is greatly concerned with metaphors
“It is the mark of genius, for to make good metaphors implies an eye for resemblances”
Everything that doesn't fit into the other categories
Least connected with literature
“The production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet.”
Deus ex machina “God of the machine”