Q. Discuss Aristotle's notion of Tragedy and tts Components.
Aristotle, in his seminal work "Poetics",provides the earliest and most influential
definition of tragedy in Western iterature. According to him, "Tragedy ls an imitation of
an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language
embellished with each kind of artistic ornament... through pity and fear effecting
the proper purgation of these emotions." This definition encapsulates both the
purpose and structure of tragedy as a dramatic form.
Aristotle identiftes six essential components of tragedy: Plot (Mythos), Character
(Dthos), Thought (Dianoia), Diction (Lexis), Melody (Melos), and Spectacle (Opss). Anong
these, plot is the most important element. He states, *The plot is the soul pftragedy" H
must be a complete whole, witha clear beginning, middle, and end, and it ust exijbit
unity of action. The plot should be logically constructed, with events folluingeagh other
inevitably or by probability. Aristotle especially values complex plotstat ineuae
peripeteia (reversal of fortune) and anagnorisis (recogrition or disdoueng Neaaingto
catharsis-the emotional cleansing of the audience.
The second important component is Character". Attaic h§rgshould be morally
good, appropriate to the role, realistic, and consistent inbèhavior. The tragic hero is
typically a person of noble stature who possesses a nauortia' rtragic flaw, often hubris'
(excessive pride), which leads to their dounfal. Aristotie hotes, "The change of fortune
should be not from bad to good, but from good to batl, arising from some error or
fratlty."
Thought, the third elenment, pertam to the themes and moral arguments presented
in the tragedy. It reveals the reasoning of the cHaracters and underlines the play's
philosophical implications. Diction' ryôuesthe expression of meaning in words and style,
and Aristotle emphasizes its inportanajn deivering the emotions and intent behind the
characters' speeches.
'Melody' or Songreferste the musical element of the chorus. Though less central in
modern drama, in Geektragedies the chorus played a crucial role in reflecting on the
events and ampliing,emotional impact. 'Spectacle', the visualelements of the play, is
considered theeasADortant by Aristotle. He argues that even without spectacle, a wel
crafted tragédy can evoke strong emotions through its plot and language.
Afundamntal aim of tragedy, as Aristotle asserts, is to arouse pity and fear in
the auaietca thereby leading to a process of catharsis, or emotional purification. Pity is
feltwken thÃaudience sees undeserved misfortune befaling the protagonist, while fear
arisès fromthe recognition that such afate could befall anyone. This emotional journey
allow¢the spectators to experience and then release intense feelings in a safe, structured
setting. As Aristotle puts it, "Tragedy is... through pity and fear effecting the proper
purgation of these emotions." Thus, tragedy not only entertains but also fulfills a deep
psychological and moral function in human experience.
In conclusion, Aristotle's conception of tragedy emphasizes the primacy of plot and
the importance of a tragic hero whose downfall elicits deep emotional response. His
to
insights laid the foundation for classical and modern dramatic theory and continue
influence how we understand tragedy today.
