Aristotle's Poetics Lesson Plan

Close Reading: Definition of Tragedy

Kind of Activity:

Collaborative Writing

Objective:

Students will be able to delve deeply into a definition central to Aristotle's work

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.4

Structure:

Read this paragraph aloud:

Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions.

What does this mean? Why does Aristotle believe...