Question

Aristotle emphasizes the unity of:

• A. Plot, character, and theme
• B. Action, time, and place
• C. Emotion, theme, and language
• D. History, fiction, and music

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Action, time, and place

Aristotle's Poetics introduced the three unities, which are a theory of dramatic tragedy that emphasizes a play's unity of action, time, and place. 

Unity of action 

• A play should have one main plotline

• The action should be succinct and avoid subplots

• Quality is more important than quantity

Unity of time 

• The action should take place within a short period of time, ideally no more than 24 hours

Unity of place 

• The action should take place in a single physical location, ideally a public square or palace courtyard

While many Greek tragedies observed these unities, some modern critics have rejected them. They argue that successful plays have violated the unities and that the unity of action should be the primary standard.