Question

n 300 words or less, identify the key differences between Aristotle’s definitions of tragedy and comedy.

Answer 1

The two major forms of Greek drama were the tragedy and the comedy. According to Aristotle, these elements define a tragedy: The major characters in a tragedy are not average. ... The purpose of a tragedy is a catharsis, which cleans the soul of “fear and pity” that most people carry within themselves.

Answer 2

Aristotle describes both types of theatre in his influential work Poetics.

According to Aristotle, the origin of comedy is in festivals and cheerful celebrations. However, the main requirement of a comedy is a happy ending. It usually describes the rise in fortune of a sympathetic character.

On the other hand, tragedy describes the downfall of a good person. This downfall is usually through an important error or misjudgement. The main character tends to go through a lot of suffering, and he causes a feeling of pity on the audience.