Question

The best tragedies, Aristotle argues, have:

• A. A happy ending
• B. A protagonist with high status and a tragic flaw
• C. A focus on spectacle
• D. A supernatural element

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A protagonist with high status and a tragic flaw

According to Aristotle, the best tragedies have: 

• A well-organized plot: The plot should be unified and move from beginning to end in a clear sequence of events 

• A tragic hero: The hero should experience a reversal from happiness to misery 

• A serious issue: The tragedy should deal with a serious and important issue, such as a death 

• A tragic deed: The tragedy should involve some sort of tragic action 

• A mix of components: The tragedy should have a successful mix of plot, character, thought, diction, song, and spectacle 

• Catharsis: The tragedy should use reversal and recognition to achieve catharsis, a form of redemption 

• Ambiguous morality: The tragic hero should be neither a villain nor a virtuous man, but a character with moral ambiguity 

• Pity and fear: The tragedy should evoke pity and fear in the audience