Question

Which of the following statements are true with respect to Aristotle's classic analysis of Tragedy in his Poetics?
(A). Tragedy is mimesis.
(B). Tragedy intends to accomplish the catharsis of emotions like pity and fear.
(C). The tragic hero is an everyday person with ordinary moral worth.
(D). It is hamartia, which often leads the tragic hero into a state of suffering.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Remember Aristotle's ideal tragic hero: Not a saint, not a villain, but a noble person whose own flaw (hamartia) leads to their downfall, causing the audience to feel pity and fear. This helps to rule out the idea of an "everyday person."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks to identify the correct tenets of Aristotle's theory of tragedy as laid out in his seminal work, Poetics.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement against Aristotle's principles:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Tragedy is mimesis. This is correct. Aristotle's foundational argument is that all forms of poetry, including tragedy, are modes of imitation (mimesis) of human action. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Tragedy intends to accomplish the catharsis of emotions like pity and fear. This is correct. Aristotle famously defines tragedy as a form that, through the arousal of pity and fear, brings about a catharsis (purgation or clarification) of these same emotions. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) The tragic hero is an everyday person with ordinary moral worth. This is incorrect. Aristotle specifies that the tragic hero should be of a noble or high-standing character, someone who is "better than we are," not perfect but of high repute. Their fall from a great height is what makes the tragedy profound. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) It is hamartia, which often leads the tragic hero into a state of suffering. This is correct. Aristotle states that the hero's downfall is not caused by vice but by a hamartia—a tragic flaw, error of judgment, or mistake. } \\ \end{array}\] Thus, statements (A), (B), and (D) are true, while (C) is false.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A), which includes (A), (B), and (D) only.