Final answer:
Aristotle defined tragedy in his work Poetics as a form of theatre that embodies six elements: Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, and Song. Tragedies must engage the audience through catharsis and often depict ethical dilemmas faced by noble characters, thereby providing insights into moral values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristotle's beliefs about tragic plays are encapsulated in his work Poetics, where he defines tragedy as "an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude." He posits that for a play to be effective, it must not just provide a spectacle for entertainment but must also engage the audience in such a way that they experience a catharsis, a purgation of emotions such as pity and fear. Aristotle breaks down tragedy into six components: Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, and Song. The plot is of paramount importance and must revolve around characters of noble birth who make an ethical choice leading to their downfall, reflecting the values and concerns of the community. Aristotle emphasized the educational value of theatre, proposing that through witnessing the consequences of actions on stage, audiences gain insights into right and wrong.