Aristotle

1
Aristotles Poetics

• First example of literary criticism

2
Tragedy

• Purpose of tragedy is to bring about a catharsis
  of spectatorsto arouse in them sensations of
  pity and fear, and to purge them of these
  emotions so they leave the theater feeling
  cleansed and uplifted.

3
Six elements of tragedy

• Plot
• Character
• Diction
• Thought (theme)
• Spectacle (scenic effect)
• Song

4
Tragedy

• Is an imitation, not of men, but of action and
  life, of happiness and misery. Life consists of
  actionaction makes men happy or wretched.
• Plot is most significant element of tragedy
  character is second.
• Plot requires a central theme.

5
Plot

• Moves from good fortune to calamity.
• Recognition scenes.
• Reversals.

6
Tragic hero

• High birth
• Neither totally good nor evil
• Weakness in character/error in judgment causes
  tragic misfortune.
• Aristotle considered Oedipus to be the
  quintessential tragic hero.