Sunday 22 March 2015

How can I write a comparative analysis of Aristotle's notion of the tragedy and Sophocles' Oedipus the King?

In Aristotle's definition of tragedy, he defines six characteristics that all tragedies must have: plot, characters, diction, thought, spectacle, and melody. For each characteristic, Aristotle offers specific defining traits (see the hyperlink offered below). Here are some comparative elements that posit Oedipus Rex as a definitive tragedy.


First, under "character," the tragic hero is meant to be one of noble birth who displays a fitness of character. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus, as the tragic hero,...

In Aristotle's definition of tragedy, he defines six characteristics that all tragedies must have: plot, characters, diction, thought, spectacle, and melody. For each characteristic, Aristotle offers specific defining traits (see the hyperlink offered below). Here are some comparative elements that posit Oedipus Rex as a definitive tragedy.


First, under "character," the tragic hero is meant to be one of noble birth who displays a fitness of character. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus, as the tragic hero, is certainly one of noble birth, being the king of Thebes, and as a king he displays the decision-making qualities of one who is of kingly status. Aristotle says, however, that this character must suffer hamartia, and Oedipus falls to his hubris. Next, Aristotle says under "melody" that the chorus should serve as an integrated part of the play, one that arouses pity and fear in the audience, and in Oedipus Rex the chorus serves this role as they comment on the actions of characters, namely Oedipus, and try to suggest to the audience the ethical underpinnings of events during the play. So these are a few characteristics of the play that compare to Aristotle's definition.

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