Aristotle

Greek scientists and philosopher

🎭 Aristotle – Imitation of Life (Mimesis)

What It Means

• Mimesis = Imitation (a central idea in Aristotle’s Poetics).

• Art, poetry, drama, and music → imitate life, human action, and the world.

• But not just copying reality → it shows life in a more meaningful, universal way.

Aristotle & Drama (Poetics)

• Wrote The Poetics → earliest work of dramatic theory.

• Defined tragedy as:
  

  • Serious, complete, has magnitude.

  • Arouses pity and fear → leads to catharsis (emotional cleansing).

• Six elements of tragedy (in order of importance):
  

  • Plot (most important)

  • Character

  • Thought or Theme

  • Diction (language)

  • Melody (music)

  • Spectacle (visuals)

🎭 Aristotle’s Tragic Elements

1. Anagnorisis (Recognition)

• Definition: A moment of recognition or discovery.

• Hero realizes a truth about themselves, others, or their situation.

• Often linked to identity or fate.

• Example: In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus realizes he is Laius’s son and Jocasta’s husband/son.

2. Peripeteia (Reversal)

• Definition: A sudden reversal of fortune.

• The hero’s situation changes from good → bad (or vice versa, but in tragedy usually good → bad).

• Must be caused by the hero’s own actions/decisions, not chance.

• Example: In Oedipus Rex, when the messenger arrives to reassure Oedipus that Polybus (his “father”) is dead, it seems like good news… but it leads to the truth being revealed, reversing his fortune.

3. Catastrophe

• Definition: The final resolution of the tragedy → downfall, suffering, or death of the hero.

• Brings the plot to its conclusion.

• Essential for catharsis (audience feels pity & fear, then emotional release).

• Example: Oedipus blinds himself and goes into exile after Jocasta’s suicide.