1. Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy

2. tragedy According to Aristotle: life of an important person
cause and effect events
events of plot lead to catastrophe
tone = dignity and seriousness

3. Aristotle’s tragic hero
neither completely good nor completely bad
must be highly renowned/prosperous
must be brought from happiness to misery
his fate is at least partly his own doing “fatal flaw”
recognizes his error and accepts consequences

4. intended audience reaction
pity - the punishment is harsh
pity - he is just a flawed human, as we all are
fear - he is better than most, yet still fails
“catharsis” - a cleansing. you accept what happened, learn from it, and feel that things will be okay.

5. parts of the typical tragedy
CLIMAX
RISING ACTION
FALLING ACTION
EXPOSITION: SETTING, CHARACTERS
DENOUEMENT:
“NEW WORLD ORDER”