AP+2014+Theory+of+Tragedy


 * AUDIENCE** - Lauren Becker



The theory of tragedy was first brought to mind by the Greek philosopher Artistotle. Aristotle stated that, “A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;... in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions” (CUIP). There are six total parts that make up tragedy: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and melody. Unlike history, tragedy is shown rather than told. Likewise, Whereas history deals with the particular, tragedy deals with more universal ideals. “According to Aristotle, tragedy is higher and more philosophical than history because history simply relates what has happened while tragedy dramatizes what may happen, ‘what is possible according to the law of probability or necessity’”(CNR). Tragedy is able to predict the inevitable and therefore is a much stronger source than history. Without tragedy history is weakened.

Works Cited:

Lucas, Gerald. "Catharsis in the Aristotle's Poetics." GrLucas. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

Rankin, Alan. "What Are the Characteristics of the Tragedy Genre?" WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.


 * CULTURAL** - Gabi

Though the art of literary tragedy was created long ago, tragedy provides a comprehensive and relevant look into human nature even today. Andrea Gomez explains, “Tragedy is man’s attempt to explain the misfortune that befalls him. The classical period sees this phenomenon as mostly a punishment from the gods...the Shakespearean period perceives it to be largely caused by man himself; and the modern period, by the merciless machine-oriented society” (3). While the method of composition within the tragedy genre has changed over time, its goal remains the same; tragedy is meant to be an examination of human culture. Through the analysis of tragedy, a deeper understanding of what it means to be human can be found. Tragedy brings about the reactions of, “...not only pity but also fear, because the audience can envision themselves within this cause-and-effect chain” (McManus). Tragedy itself shows how modern culture is flawed and takes apart the reasons for those flaws. Moreover, tragedy and theatre can be used to craft societal change by bringing issues to light. Overall, tragedy is meant to evoke emotional responses and stimulate a conversation about human nature and its condition.

Works Cited: Gomez, Andrea A. (1987). Comparative Analyses of Classical, Shakespearean, and Modern Tragedies [Abstract]. Saint Louis University. Web. 10 Feb 2014. McManus, Barbara F. “Outline of Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy in Poetics”. College of New Rochelle, Nov 1999. Web. 10 Feb 2014.


 * HISTORICAL** - Maddy Skopak

The theory of tragedy was first brought to mind by the Greek philosopher Artistotle. Aristotle stated that, “A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;... in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions” (CUIP). There are six total parts that make up tragedy: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and melody. Unlike history, tragedy is shown rather than told. Likewise, Whereas history deals with the particular, tragedy deals with more universal ideals. “According to Aristotle, tragedy is higher and more philosophical than history because history simply relates what has happened while tragedy dramatizes what may happen, ‘what is possible according to the law of probability or necessity’”(CNR). Tragedy is able to predict the inevitable and therefore is a much stronger source than history. Without tragedy history is weakened.

Works Cited: "CUIP - Gateway" .: CUIP - Gateway :. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. "Outline of Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy." Outline of Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.


 * AIM** - Michael Hauri



The Theory of Tragedy was developed in plays long ago and aims to connect with the human desire for a meaning to existence. The concept of a drama containing tragedy was developed by the Greeks thousands of years ago. Often performed in front of large crowds the concept of tragedy was mostly aimed towards entertainment. However, not only were the concepts used to entertain, but inform and connect with everyday human questions (Robinson). By relating to common human tendencies, the plays with tragedy were able to capture Greek culture and the later European culture. Aristotle was the main father of theory of tragedy and was known to declare the purpose through six essential elements of plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and melody. This outline was the perfect catalyst to present the audience with an intriguing piece of work that would invoke a deeper thought. Although Aristotle was a main founder in this structure Daniel Campbell describes, “His discussion is mainly in terms of subject matter, not form, yet he is none the less alive to the technical side of his subject” ( Campbell). By working with a loose form Aristotle was able to direct the aim of his tragedies to the complex characters and audiences relatability to them. Ultimately, Aristotle set the groundwork for modern tragedy that stills succeeds at capturing the wonder and desire in the human heart.

Works Cited:

Campbell, Daniel J. "Aeschylus and Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy." Thesis. Loyola University, 1946. Loyola University, 1946. Web. 9 Feb. 2014.

Robinson, Scott R. "Theatre and Drama in Ancient Greece." Theatre and Drama in Ancient Greece. Central Washington University, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.