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Aristotle’s Perfect Tragedy. Ars Poetica or The Poetics. Aristotle. Ancient Greek philosopher One of the most influential thinkers of all time Wrote about physics, poetry, biology, zoology, logic, rhetoric, politics, ethics Student of Plato Teacher of Alexander the Great.
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Aristotle’s Perfect Tragedy ArsPoetica or The Poetics
Aristotle • Ancient Greek philosopher • One of the most influential thinkers of all time • Wrote about physics, poetry, biology, zoology, logic, rhetoric, politics, ethics • Student of Plato • Teacher of Alexander the Great
Why Do We Care? • The reason that we study Aristotle’s perfect tragedy is because all literary tragedies are compared to and talked about using Aristotle’s ideas • You will need to know this for any future lit class in both high school and college • So, take notes!
The Perfect Tragedy • According to Aristotle, the best example of the perfect tragedy was Oedipus Rex. • As we continue, think of how Oedipus Rex meets each of the following requirements.
The Three Unities • According to Aristotle the perfect tragedy should hold to three unities: • Time: the action should take place in 24 hours – ideally it should all be congruous, but 24 hours is ok • Place – one location – no set changes • Action – just one plot – no sub plots • (the mysterious fourth – mood – the entire play should be serious – no comic relief)
The Tragic Hero Five Parts • Must be a noble king or ruler • Must have a tragic flaw: the Greek word for tragic flaw is Hamartia • Hubris: Pride, the perfect tragic flaw • Downfall caused by his own actions as a result of his tragic flaw • Recognize of his own demise • Die with honor and courage
Oh, the Insanity! • If the tragedy is done properly, the audience should be moved to a catharsis • Catharsis: purging of emotions, especially pity and fear • A catharsis should lead to a reinvigorated love of life See, the cat is scared, you know, fear?…clever, huh?