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Which element is considered the most important in Aristotle's division of tragedy?
Which element is considered the most important in Aristotle's division of tragedy?
What term describes the tragic flaw in a character according to Aristotelian tragic theory?
What term describes the tragic flaw in a character according to Aristotelian tragic theory?
Which of the following best describes 'catharsis' in Aristotelian tragedy?
Which of the following best describes 'catharsis' in Aristotelian tragedy?
In Aristotelian tragic theory, what is 'anagnorisis'?
In Aristotelian tragic theory, what is 'anagnorisis'?
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Which poet laid out guidelines for writing poetry and emphasized the balance between instruction and delight?
Which poet laid out guidelines for writing poetry and emphasized the balance between instruction and delight?
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What is 'hubris' in the context of Aristotelian tragic theory?
What is 'hubris' in the context of Aristotelian tragic theory?
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What aspect does 'melody' refer to in Aristotle's elements of tragedy?
What aspect does 'melody' refer to in Aristotle's elements of tragedy?
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In Longinus's concept of the sublime, which quality is NOT identified as a source?
In Longinus's concept of the sublime, which quality is NOT identified as a source?
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What key element of Aristotelian tragedy is exemplified by Medea's actions as a response to Jason's betrayal?
What key element of Aristotelian tragedy is exemplified by Medea's actions as a response to Jason's betrayal?
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Which aspect of Aristotelian tragedy is demonstrated by Medea’s intense emotions leading to her extreme decisions?
Which aspect of Aristotelian tragedy is demonstrated by Medea’s intense emotions leading to her extreme decisions?
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In the context of Aristotelian tragedy, how does Medea’s betrayal of her family serve her character's development?
In the context of Aristotelian tragedy, how does Medea’s betrayal of her family serve her character's development?
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What element of tragedy does Medea's revenge against Jason most closely represent?
What element of tragedy does Medea's revenge against Jason most closely represent?
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How does Medea evoke pity and fear, which are vital for the audience's emotional response?
How does Medea evoke pity and fear, which are vital for the audience's emotional response?
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What is one way in which Medea's character exemplifies the principle of hubris in Aristotelian tragedy?
What is one way in which Medea's character exemplifies the principle of hubris in Aristotelian tragedy?
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Which element from Aristotelian tragedy does Medea's escape in a chariot represent?
Which element from Aristotelian tragedy does Medea's escape in a chariot represent?
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What theme in Medea most closely aligns with the classical unity of action in Aristotelian tragedy?
What theme in Medea most closely aligns with the classical unity of action in Aristotelian tragedy?
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What does 'hamartia' represent in Aristotelian tragic theory?
What does 'hamartia' represent in Aristotelian tragic theory?
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Which of the following best describes 'anagnorisis'?
Which of the following best describes 'anagnorisis'?
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In Aristotelian terms, what does 'peripetia' signify?
In Aristotelian terms, what does 'peripetia' signify?
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Which term refers to the emotional cleansing that audiences experience through tragedy?
Which term refers to the emotional cleansing that audiences experience through tragedy?
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Which character flaw is specifically defined as extreme arrogance in Aristotelian tragic theory?
Which character flaw is specifically defined as extreme arrogance in Aristotelian tragic theory?
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What does 'pathos' evoke in the context of Aristotelian tragedy?
What does 'pathos' evoke in the context of Aristotelian tragedy?
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In Aristotelian tragedy, what does 'nemesis' signify?
In Aristotelian tragedy, what does 'nemesis' signify?
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Which element is NOT considered an Aristotelian quality in tragic storytelling?
Which element is NOT considered an Aristotelian quality in tragic storytelling?
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Study Notes
Aristotle's Six Parts of Tragedy
- Aristotle ranked the six essential parts of tragedy from most important to least important:
- Plot (mythos)
- Character (ethos)
- Thought (dianoia)
- Diction (lexis)
- Melody (melopoeia)
- Spectacle (opsis)
Key Concepts in Classical Theory
- Hamartia: A tragic flaw, often leading to the downfall of the protagonist.
- Hubris: Excessive pride or arrogance, often a manifestation of hamartia.
- Nemesis: The punishment or retribution for hubris or hamartia.
- Peripetia: A reversal of fortune, often a crucial turning point in the plot.
- Anagnorisis: The protagonist's discovery of the truth about themselves or the situation, often leading to a moment of realization and regret.
- Pathos: The emotional impact of the tragedy on the audience, evoking feelings of pity and fear.
- Catharsis: The purging of emotions, particularly pity and fear, experienced by the audience at the conclusion of the tragedy.
Dulce et Utile (Horace)
- Horace's Ars Poetica advocated balancing instruction (utile) with delight (dulce) in poetry.
Sublime (Longinus)
- Longinus's On the Sublime explored the qualities of literary greatness that produce a strong emotional response.
- The sublime transcends the ordinary and evokes powerful feelings.
Mimesis, Dulce et Utile, Sublime, Catharsis
- Mimesis: Imitation of life, a key principle of classical literature.
- Dulce et Utile: Aims for both entertainment and instruction.
- Sublime: Achieves greatness and provokes profound emotional effects.
- Catharsis: A purging of emotions, especially pity and fear.
Guide Questions for Classical Literary Theory
- How does the work imitate life or nature?
- Does the work adhere to the structure and elements of tragedy outlined by Aristotle?
- How does the work evoke pity and fear in the audience?
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Philosophical Approach: This approach focuses on themes, worldviews, moral statements, and the author's philosophy.
- What view of life does the story present? Which character best articulates this viewpoint?
- How does the work depict mankind's relationship to God and the universe?
- What moral statements does the story make, explicitly or implicitly?
- What is the author's attitude toward their world, fate, and God?
- What is the author's conception of good and evil?
- What does the work say about the nature of good and evil?
- What does the work say about human nature?
Medea by Euripides
- This tragedy tells the story of Medea, a woman who betrays her family and homeland out of love for Jason, the hero of the Argonauts.
- Medea's actions are driven by love, betrayal, revenge, and unchecked passion.
- The play explores the consequences of these emotions and the destructive power of revenge.
Other Works That Achieved the Sublime
- Sophocles' Oedipus Rex
- Demosthenes's Orations
- Plato's The Republic
- Sappho's Poems
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Description
Dive into Aristotle's six essential parts of tragedy and explore key concepts such as hamartia, hubris, and catharsis. Understand how these elements contribute to the impact of classical tragedies. This quiz will test your knowledge of Aristotle's influential work in literary theory.
