Discusses how Aristotle defined tragedy, including the six elements that make up Greek Tragedy. It should also include the three unities, and how they fit into Aristotle's theory of tragedy.
Greek Tragedy: The historical and cultural context in which Aristotle's theory of tragedy emerged, including an overview of the key playwrights, works, and themes of Greek tragedy.
Mimesis: Aristotle's concept of mimesis, or imitation, which served as the foundation for his theory of tragedy, along with an explanation of how mimesis relates to other key concepts in Aristotle's philosophy.
Plot: Aristotle's definition and analysis of plot, including his discussion of the different elements that make up a successful tragic plot, such as reversal, recognition, and catharsis.
Character: Aristotle's views on character development in tragedy, including his definition of tragic heroism, and his list of key character traits that are essential for a successful tragic protagonist.
Spectacle: Aristotle's thoughts on the role of spectacle in tragedy, including his discussion of the importance of visual elements such as costume, stage design, and special effects.
Diction: Aristotle's analysis of language and style in tragedy, including his views on the importance of appropriateness, clarity, and poetic language.
Themes: Aristotle's thoughts on the thematic concerns of tragedy, including his analysis of the different types of tragedy and the messages they convey about human existence.
Catharsis: Aristotle's concept of catharsis, or emotional release, which he believed was the ultimate goal of tragedy, along with his discussion of how catharsis is achieved through the various elements of tragic drama.
Influence: The impact of Aristotle's theory of tragedy on subsequent writers and theorists, including an overview of how his ideas were received and adapted by thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Bertolt Brecht.
Critiques: An overview of the critiques and objections that have been raised against Aristotle's theory of tragedy, including debates over the validity of his underlying assumptions and the applicability of his ideas to contemporary literature and drama.
Plot: Aristotle suggests that the plot is the most important element of the tragedy, and it involves a sequence of events that are linked and combine to create a cause-and-effect chain leading to the tragic outcome. The plot must be complete, interconnected, and have a beginning, middle, and end.
Character: Aristotle believes that the character is the second most important element of the tragedy, and it is the character's actions and decisions that lead to the tragic outcome. A tragic hero is a character who commits an error in judgment or has a tragic flaw that leads to their downfall.
Diction: Aristotle considers diction, or the language and word choice, to be the third most important element of the tragedy. He believes that the diction must be appropriate for the audience and the characters, and it should be clear, concise, and elegant.
Thought: Aristotle suggests that thought, or the theme or message of the tragedy, is also an essential element. He asserts that the tragedy must present a universal and timeless message that can be understood by all viewers.
Spectacle: Finally, Aristotle notes that spectacle, or the visual and auditory elements of the tragedy, is the least important element. While spectacle can enhance the overall experience, Aristotle believes that it should not be the focus of the tragedy.