“A tragedy is a representation of an action that is whole and complete and of a certain magnitude. A whole is what has a beginning and middle and end.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
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Quote
“A tragedy is a representation of an action that is whole and complete and of a certain magnitude. A whole is what has a beginning and middle and end.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle outlines the essential characteristics of a tragic narrative. He defines tragedy as a story or drama that represents a complete and unified action, which must have a clear structure: a beginning, a middle, and an end. For an action to be “whole,” it must follow a logical progression, where each part of the story is connected and contributes to the overall plot. The beginning introduces the situation, the middle develops the conflict, and the end resolves it in a way that completes the arc. Additionally, the action must have a certain magnitude—it should be significant enough to evoke emotional responses like fear or pity from the audience.
This structure is critical to creating a powerful and engaging tragic experience, as it ensures that the audience is taken on a journey through a well-crafted narrative, where the events unfold in a way that feels natural and inevitable. The idea of magnitude refers to the importance or seriousness of the events in the tragedy, which should resonate with the audience and evoke deep emotional responses.
Aristotle’s framework for tragedy is foundational in the study of dramatic literature and continues to influence modern storytelling in theater, film, and literature. The principle of a well-structured narrative with a beginning, middle, and end is central to creating compelling stories in any genre, from classic drama to modern films. For example, a movie or play that lacks a clear structure—where the events feel disjointed or unresolved—may fail to evoke the emotional engagement that a traditional tragedy does.
Aristotle’s quote reminds us of the importance of structure and magnitude in storytelling, ensuring that the narrative is coherent and impactful, leading to a satisfying conclusion that completes the emotional journey for the audience.
