“Tragedy is an imitation not only of a complete action, but of events inspiring fear and pity. Such an effect is best produced when the events come on us by surprise; and the effect is heightened when, at the same time, they follow as cause and effect. The tragic wonder will then be great than if they happened of themselves or by accident; for even coincidences are most striking when they have an air of design.”
Quote by Aristotle
Work
The Poetics of Aristotle
Written by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, this seminal text delves into the principles of Greek tragedy, examining its structure, characters, and themes. It is considered a foundational work in the study of literary criticism and continues to be widely read and discussed in the fields of philosophy, literature, and the arts. more
Author
You May Also Like
Source: Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose
Source: The Literary Community: Selected Essays : 1967-2007
“Rewriting is like scrubbing the basement floor with a toothbrush.”
“A novel should be an experience and convey an emotional truth rather than arguments.”
Source: Selected essays
“No time for poetry but exactly what is.”
Source: Selected letters, 1940-1956
