While Aristotle's analysis of tragedy may not be directly related to his philosophy of rhetoric, no study of Aristotle would by complete without a short introduction. According to Aristotle, tragedy is "the imitation of an action that is serious and . . . complete in itself," incorporating "incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish the catharsis of such emotions." The following elements, according to Aristotle, must be found within a literary text in order for it to …showed first 75 words of 422 total…

…showed last 75 words of 422 total…again bring structure and harmony to Denmark. V. The fall of the tragic hero arouses feelings of "pity and fear" in the audience. Audience members experience a catharsis as they witness the tragedy. Example Perhaps readers must decide the success of this aspect of a given dramatic work on an individual basis. However, very few people who have truly read and studied Hamlet are not moved to some degree by the events of the play.