Five Criteria

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is designed to bridge the gap between ancient definitions of tragedy and their modern interpretations. It references Aristotle’s classical definition of tragedy as an art form that aims to imitate an action which is serious, complete in itself, and of a certain magnitude, using language that is both artistically enhanced and structured in a manner that evokes pity and fear, leading to a catharsis of such emotions.

Students are tasked to apply these timeless criteria to a modern movie that they consider a tragedy. They must critically evaluate and explain how the movie fulfills each of Aristotle’s five requirements. This encourages students to think deeply about the structure and elements of storytelling and how these elicit emotional responses from the audience. By considering modern examples, students can better understand the relevance and adaptation of classical theories in contemporary settings, enhancing their appreciation of the tragic genre and its evolution through time.