Aristotle's Literary Theory

What is the primary purpose of tragedy, according to Aristotle?

According to Aristotle, what should tragedies ultimately leave their audience with?

What is the correct order of events that occur in Aristotelian tragedy?

What are the three unities as defined by Aristotle and which a tragedy should be based on?

How are Shakespeare's plays different to Greek tragedies according to the text?

According to Aristotle, what is a key characteristic of the ideal tragic hero?

What does 'hamartia' refer to in the context of Aristotelian tragedy?

According to Aristotle, why should the tragic hero occupy a position of high status?

Aristotle's Literary Theory - Tragedy

Catharsis: Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, allowing them to purge these emotions through the play's resolution.
Human Condition: Tragedies explore the complexities and fragility of human life, questioning suffering's reasons and the role of choice versus fate.
Order to Chaos: Aristotle's ideal tragedy follows a pattern: initial order, disruption, and restoration of order, embodying societal values (rationality, morality, strong leadership).
Three Unities: Tragedies should adhere to these:
- Time: Action confined to a single day (or play length).
- Place: Action occurs in a single location.
- Action: One central plot/series of events.
Tragic Hero: Ideal protagonist is renowned, prosperous, but flawed (not evil), whose misfortune results from a mistake or weakness.
Hamartia: The tragic flaw or error in judgment causing the hero's downfall. It's a significant mistake, not simply a moral weakness.
High Status: The hero should be of high social standing, impacting others and society.
Shakespeare's Departure: Shakespeare's tragedies often do not observe the three unities, exploring a wider range of social and political issues, including specific Jacobean society concerns.

Explore the fundamental concepts of Aristotle's literary theory regarding tragedy. This quiz examines key elements such as catharsis, the nature of the tragic hero, and the three unities that define a tragedy. Test your understanding of how these elements shape the narrative and emotional impact of a play.