According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them?

Need a paper written? Our academic experts can create an original essay on any subject for ~~$13.00~~ $11/page Learn More

Aristotle believed that tragedy has the potential to cleanse the human soul and raise it to new heights. According to the philosopher, it did that by evoking fear and pity among the audience. The point of evoking them was causing catharsis – a sense of spiritual cleansing obtained through witnessing suffering on stage. By watching actors live tragic experiences of classical characters, Ancient Greek spectators developed the ability to face their flaws and overcome adversity in a similar manner.

Rate the answer:

Further research on topic

Plato, Aristotle and Preferable Response to Literature

Answer by Academic.tip's expert

An answer to this question is provided by one of our experts who specializes in philosophy. Let us know how much you liked it and give it a rating.

Cite this page

Select a citation style:

References

Academic.Tips. (2022) 'According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them'. 3 June.

Reference

Academic.Tips. (2022, June 3). According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them? https://academic.tips/question/according-to-aristotle-what-emotions-should-a-tragedy-evoke-what-is-the-point-of-evoking-them/

References

Academic.Tips. 2022. "According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them?" June 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/according-to-aristotle-what-emotions-should-a-tragedy-evoke-what-is-the-point-of-evoking-them/.

1. Academic.Tips. "According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them?" June 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/according-to-aristotle-what-emotions-should-a-tragedy-evoke-what-is-the-point-of-evoking-them/.

Bibliography

Academic.Tips. "According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them?" June 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/according-to-aristotle-what-emotions-should-a-tragedy-evoke-what-is-the-point-of-evoking-them/.

Work Cited

"According to Aristotle, what emotions should a tragedy evoke? What is the point of evoking them?" Academic.Tips, 3 June 2022, academic.tips/question/according-to-aristotle-what-emotions-should-a-tragedy-evoke-what-is-the-point-of-evoking-them/.

Copy