Aristotle's concept of tragedy

Aristotle's concept of tragedy is the main concern of his Poetics. Aristotle considers tragedy to be the highest form of poetry. Tragedy in all its aspects and constituent parts finds a better expression in Aristotle's Poetics. Tragedy as we know is a spectacle of human sufferings - a drama with an unhappy ending. Tragedy tells tales of sufferings and poignant predicament on the part of a protagonist. Both in classical and Shakespeare the tragedy issues from the characterisation of the hero, although in classical tragedy the role of fate is preponderant to bring about the tragedy. In both, classical and Shakespearean plays, the tragic process culminates in terrible sufferings or in the death of the hero who enjoys a high and lofty place in the society. This demise of the hero (in Shakespearean play) and the sufferings of the hero (in classical play) are dignified and honorable. The Greek concept of tragedy is that life is full of sorrows and sufferings.

Man is condemned to suffer. He suffers both for factors within himself and outside himself. Aristotle's definition of tragedy has affinity with the Greek concept of tragedy. His famous pronouncement of tragedy is that "Tragedy, then, is a representation of an action that is worth serious attention, complete in itself, and of some amplitude; in language enriched by a variety of artistic devices appropriate to the several parts of the play, presented in the form of action, not narration, by means of pity and fear bringing about the purgation of such emotions". Aristotle, in his definition of tragedy seems to suggest that tragedy is superior to other forms of imitation since it imitates men in actions - the inner man, his thoughts, problems, crisis, happiness and unhappiness, etc. that constitute the action of tragedy. He also emphasises the fact that tragedy does not necessarily end in total gloom. It rather emanates tragic pleasure, a sense of pity and fear. Aristotle not only gives us a definition of tragedy but also dwells upon the constituent's element of tragedy. According to him, every tragedy must have six formative elements. They are plot, character, diction, spectacle, thought and song. Of these entire element the plot is the first essential of tragedy, its lifeblood and character takes the second place. Aristotle's definition of tragedy includes everything related to tragedy. His conception primarily based on Greek concept of tragedy. Aristotle's theory of poetry is a milestone in the criticism of tragic place for all time to come. His ideas are profound and influenced the later generation of critics till today.