Aristotelian tragedy can be defined as a simulation of such deeds that are complete and severe. An action which has a level and language of its own, it also possesses some accessories in it, which are considered pleasurable and congenial. Incident that is full of grievances and pity is also termed as tragedy. Aristotle stated that “Tragedy, then, is a representation of an action that is worth serious attention, complete in it, and of some amplitude; in language enriched by a variety of artistic devices appropriate to the several parts of the play”.
During tragedy usually a good person faces downfall because of his own mistakes and errors. Aristotle believed that being a tragic hero, an actor has to perform well in order to arouse feelings of pity and fear in the audience. He can do this either by portraying himself as an optimist or pessimist; whatever he does his actions should be completed and should be identified by the audience. If a hero performs really well then tragic pleasure will become more passionate.
In poetic, author explained that the tragic hero aims to attain various targets certainly without limitations. Aristotle showed that hero`s awful end condition takes place because of his mistakes and also because hero has too much pride in himself due to which he had disregarded the God`s warning. In addition, after going through tragedies a hero should not die, but a change in his fortune should have taken place.
Also, some revelation should bestowed upon him from super natural powers related to people`s fortunate, providence and about choices and decisions of Gods for the humans living on this earth. The author has quoted this change in a very beautiful and poetic manner by viewing it as an alteration from unawareness to consciousness about love or hate bonds with Gods and as well as with other people living around.
The author recommended that as the tragic hero has been suffering from great sorrows for his actions although he did not deserve to get severe punishment, but still he got an awful result therefore audience feels bad for him. As the author has written “The hero`s misfortune is not wholly deserved. The punishment exceeds the crime”.
According to Aristotle, there are six main elements of tragedy, which includes plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. He believed that plot and character are two most important elements whereas other four are not important, but still these should be included in play in order to make the play complete, interesting and full of emotions.
He suggested that the finest tragic plot should be solitary and perplex that has either good or bad result. All other plots have some sort of sufferings, but when a complicated plot plays its part it involves problem and gratitude. Also, sometimes reversal takes place in a particular condition that quickly changes the face of situation.
As far as character of an actor is concerned, there is another important element of tragedy without which play cannot be completed. For characters, it is very important that they all should be clear and understandable to the audience otherwise achieving aim cannot be accomplished.
For every actor, it is necessary to be good to the audience, it is also important that hero and slave both should have such personalities that the audience can easily believe in. In addition, the author has emphasized that in order to make the play stimulating for the audience every actor should show consistency in his or her acting during the whole play. The effect of the tragic play is that people feel relief in the end when they see a hero with changes.