Aristotle terms and meanings

Give a brief but clear explanation of what Aristotle means

by the following terms (not an internet definition or something you

learned in high school – use only Aristotle’s text):

• Tragedy

• hamartia  (Be careful; it does NOT mean tragic flaw.)

• katharsis  (Use Aristotle’s text)

• deus ex machina  What does this literally mean? How does

Aristotle feel about it?)

 Include images of Ancient Greek theater ruins such as Aristotle would have known.

Tragedy-Aristotle says a tragedy is an impression  of an action that is complete,serious and possessing magnitude. A tragedy was higher than history because it extravagates what could happened instead of just telling us what happened. It is a drama not a narrative meaning it shows us the story rather than telling it. It creates a cause and effect chain which reveals what had happened at anytime. 

Hamarita- Means tragic mistake, it is mostly mistaken for a tragic flaw. Aristotle says it doesn't come from being immortal but yet it is not possible to not have a tragic mistake. Aristotle also says it is "A law of necessity or probability".  It is also normal for the character to bring about their own downfall.

Kartharsis-Means cleansing of the tragic emotions of pity and fear. I feel that Aristotle uses this to take away the fear and pity the audience has, that he created earlier in the story. 

Deus ex machina- Means "god from the machine"  There was a machine in the theater to show the gods flying above the actors or actresses. Aristotle despised the idea and wanted to  get away from the idea. He also wanted the scene to look real.