1. Aristotle’s Perfect Tragedy
Ars Poetica or
The Poetics

2. Aristotle
Ancient Greek philosopher who wrote about physics, poetry, biology, zoology, logic, rhetoric, politics, ethics
Student of Plato
Teacher of Alexander the Great
One of the most influential thinkers of all time

3. Why Do We Care?
The reason the 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!

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. The Tragic Hero Five Parts
Must be a noble King or Ruler (but the audience should be able to identify with the hero)
Must have a tragic flaw: Hamartia
Hubris: Pride
Downfall must be caused by his own actions and must be a result of his tragic flaw
Must have recognition of his own demise
He should die with honor and courage

7. 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