Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers of Ancient Greece. He didn't invent drama. But he took examples of drama from the ancient Greek playwrights to state his idea. Tragedy was considered to be the highest form of drama. Aristotle's definition of tragedy is accepted as the standard definition since his own times to the present.
Aristotle defines tragedy thus, "Tradegy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, of a certain magnitude, in an appropriate and pleasurable language, in dramatic rather than narrative form, with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish catharsis of these emotions."
1. An imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude: This means that the tragedy should deal with one issue which is very serious. We can't have a tragedy about a trivial issue like breaking a fingernail. The issue should also be very important. That's why, most of the tragedies deal with someone's death. Complete in itself means the play must stivk to one issue, otherwise the audience will get lost in the plot.
2. In an appropriate and pleasurable language: Ancient Greek tragedies had a chorus who commented on the actions of the play. They also sang their parts sometimes. Aristotle says that the language of the tragedy must be clear and it should have good rhythm and harmony.
3. In a dramatic rather than narrative form: To narrate means to simply tell a story. It's like telling a friend what you did over the weekend. But a tragedy must be dramatized or acted out.
4. With incidents arousing pity and fear: The audience must feel sorry for the main character. When he falls, the whole state will fall along with him. It should arouse the feelings of sorrow and fear in the audience's minds.
5. Wherewith to accomplish catharsis of these emotions: Catharsis is a term associated with Aristotle. He used the term purgation or purification in Greek to signify an emotional release that leaves the audience relieved and exalted.
Aristotle defines tragedy thus, "Tradegy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, of a certain magnitude, in an appropriate and pleasurable language, in dramatic rather than narrative form, with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish catharsis of these emotions."
1. An imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude: This means that the tragedy should deal with one issue which is very serious. We can't have a tragedy about a trivial issue like breaking a fingernail. The issue should also be very important. That's why, most of the tragedies deal with someone's death. Complete in itself means the play must stivk to one issue, otherwise the audience will get lost in the plot.
2. In an appropriate and pleasurable language: Ancient Greek tragedies had a chorus who commented on the actions of the play. They also sang their parts sometimes. Aristotle says that the language of the tragedy must be clear and it should have good rhythm and harmony.
3. In a dramatic rather than narrative form: To narrate means to simply tell a story. It's like telling a friend what you did over the weekend. But a tragedy must be dramatized or acted out.
4. With incidents arousing pity and fear: The audience must feel sorry for the main character. When he falls, the whole state will fall along with him. It should arouse the feelings of sorrow and fear in the audience's minds.
5. Wherewith to accomplish catharsis of these emotions: Catharsis is a term associated with Aristotle. He used the term purgation or purification in Greek to signify an emotional release that leaves the audience relieved and exalted.
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