Study Questions for Aristotle's Poetics

• How does Aristotle define tragedy?  Do you agree with this definition?  Is there anything you would add to it?
• What, according to Aristotle, are the important elements of tragedy?  What aspects of tragedy does he think are less important?  Do you agree?
• What characteristics, according to Aristotle, should the tragic hero possess?
• What, according to Aristotle, is the relationship between poetry, history, and philosophy?

Read about Aristotle's Poetics in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.