Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the various parts that make up a tragedy, according to Aristotle. The paper explains how each of these elements contributes to the purpose of tragedy as explained by Aristotle. Finally, Sophocles's "Oedipus the King" is used to help illustrate Aristotle's views on tragedy.

From the Paper:

"According to Aristotle, all characters within the tragedy must support the plot. The personal motivations of the main character are thus interwoven with the causes and effects within the play. This of course occurs within "Oedipus". Oedipus, being adamant to avoid tragedy, walks right into tragedy's arms. The pity, fear and catharsis all occur with the character of Oedipus at the center, while the rest of the characters support him as well as the events of the plot. The catharsis is all the more intense because Oedipus shows himself as a principled and even heroic character; someone to be admired, at least initially."

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