Aristotle’s (384-322 BCE)
Poetics and Theory of Tragedy
Poetics is Aristotle's treatise on the nature of art and aesthetics. In Poetics, Aristotle responds to Plato's rejection of the poet and poetry.

Addressing tragedy, Aristotle's argument focuses on the role or usefulness of art in a civilized nation.

Humans are inevitably doomed; our limitations lead to our destruction. Aristotle: “the mere spectacle of a virtuous man brought form prosperity to adversity moves neither pity nor fear; it merely shocks us.” A tragedy does not merely shock; it achieves a catharsis in its audience; the nature of that catharsis is debated by scholars.

The tragic poet imitates (mimesis) noble actions. In doing so, the poet provides the audience with civilizing models which achieve their dramatic effect by arousing terror and pity. Aristotle believes that tragedy purges (catharsis) the audience of these emotions.

• Aristotle's Poetics
• Aristotle's Poetics

Key Elements in an Aristotelian Tragedy

• Hamartia: misstep (to miss the mark). It is the error through which the fortunes of the tragic hero are reversed; it is the mistake that brings about the destruction of the tragic hero. Hamartia is often inaccurately called a tragic flaw; frailty is not necessary a character flaw.
  • Hubris: Overweening pride that results in the tragedy. Hubris leads the protagonist to break human law, attempt to achieve that what is beyond, or ignore divine warnings (Harmon).
• Anagnorsis: the enlightenment or recognition in tragedy that leads to reversal. Some scholars argue that the anagnorsis is essential; Antigone cannot be the tragic hero of Antigone because she does not recognize her failings.
• Catharsis: “through pity and fear the purgation of these emotions.”