Qualitative Parts of Tragedy by Aristotle
February 14, 2023
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Aristotle identified six qualitative elements of tragedy in his Poetics.
Plot: The plot is the arrangement of events in the story, including the beginning, middle, and end. It should have a clear and logical structure, with a beginning that establishes the characters and conflict, a middle that builds tension and conflict, and an end that resolves the conflict.
Character: The characters in a tragedy should be well-developed and believable, with their actions and motivations consistent with their personalities. They should also undergo a change or transformation over the course of the play.
Thought: This refers to the themes or ideas that the tragedy explores. These can include universal truths, ethical dilemmas, or the consequences of human actions.
Diction: The language used in a tragedy should be appropriate to the characters and the setting, and should convey the appropriate emotions and tone.
Song: Music and poetry were an integral part of ancient Greek tragedies, and Aristotle believed that the songs or choruses should be an integral part of the play, contributing to the overall emotional impact.
Spectacle: This refers to the visual and dramatic elements of the tragedy, such as the costumes, scenery, and special effects. Aristotle believed that while spectacle was important, it should not be the primary focus of the tragedy, and should be used to enhance the overall effect rather than to distract from it.