Introduction

Aristotle theory of tragedy Is considered one of the most

important pieces of literature In the world of literature
studies. It originated from ancient Greece, where
Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, developed it from Greek
tragedy literature pieces. Aristotle's theory states that a
tragedy consists of six basic parts that are responsible
for making It successful. These six parts includeincludee
plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle.
In the plot, Aristotle claims that it should be structured
in a way that covers the essential elements that make
up a tragedy. The character should be exceptional and
contain traits that make them memorable, while the
thought should be embedded with ethical themes and
Ideas to keep the audience engaged. In this essay, I shall
explore Aristotle's theory of tragedy with reference to
.Sophocles' Oedipus the King

Plot
The plot Is regarded as the single most important part of
Aristotle's theory of tragedy. It is the storyline that
determines the success of the tragedy; without a well-
structured plot, the tragedy Is bound to fail. The plot In
tragedy literature is structured In a way that it follows a
specific pattern; this pattern is known as the causational
chain. In the chain of causality, the actions of the
protagonist affect the other characters in the story, thus
causing a ripple effect. Aristotle's theory of tragedy
requires that the plot should always be set In motion by
the protagonist. The protagonist should be responsible
.for the events that follow In the tragedy

Sophocles' Oedipus the King follows the structure of

causational chains to the core. Oedipus is the central
character, and all the events In the tragedy are because
of his actions. The story begins with Oedipus, King of
Thebes, looking for the murderer of the previous king,
Laius. As he unfolds the mysteries behind the murder,
he discovers that he himself killed Laius, his father, and
married his mother, Jocasta. As the plot thickens,
Oedipus becomes fixated on finding the true killer, due
to his Ignorance of the facts. The events that follow lead
to the death of Jocasta and Oedipus blinding himself In a
tragic ending. Sophocles' Oedipus the King is a perfect
example of Aristotle's theory of tragedy In action. The
plot follows the causational chain as It follows the
protagonist, Oedipus, who Is responsible for the
.sequence of events in the tragedy

Character
According to Aristotle's theory of tragedy, the central
character of the tragedy should be exceptional. The
character should be unique and have outstanding
qualities that make them stand out. The protagonist
should also have some tragic flaws that lead to the
downfall of the character. The flaws should make the
 character relatable to the audience and enhance their
ability to resonate with the character. In the words of
Aristotle: "A man doesn't become a hero until he can
".see the root of his own downfall

In Sophocles' Oedipus the King, the character of Oedipus

fits faithfully into Aristotle's concept of an exceptional
character. Oedipus is a well-respected king, who is
highly Intelligent and has a natural ability to solve
complex problems. Oedipus is portrayed as a man of
Initiative, who takes swift action to solve problems.
Oedipus is warned repeatedly by various means that he
should stop his search for his true roots, but he instead
charges forward, leading to his downfall. Oedipus's
tragic flaw is his stubbornness; this flaw makes the
character relatable, and the audience can Identify with
.his downfall

Thought
Aristotle's theory of tragedy emphasizes the importance
of thought in the tragedy literature. The thought refers
to the ethical and moral ideas portrayed In the tragedy.
The thought should be woven into the storyline to keep
the audience engaged and entertained. The ethical and
moral ideas should be relatable to the audience and
.facilitate reasoning and thinking
 Sophocles' Oedipus the King Is an excellent example of
Aristotle's concept of thought. The tragedy Is called a
tragic drama becausee it is a combination of the two
concepts. The play's storyline discusses ethical and
moral Ideas that are relatable to the audience. The play
revolves around the tragic hero, Oedipus, who fulfills
the prophecy that he would one day kill his father and
marry his mother. The thought In the tragedy is
reflected in the experiences that Oedipus goes through.
For example, the tragedy deals with the concept of free
will vs. fate. It gives the audience a chance to reflect on
their own lives, by asking some questions such as: “are
we In full control or do we only act according to some
”?fate

Diction
Diction refers to the language used in the tragedy
literature. According to Aristotle, the tragedy literature's
language should be suitable for the culture and period
that the literature Is being presented. The language
should be clear, appropriate, and authoritative. The
language should be relatable to the audience, and they
should be able to understand the underlying meanings
.behind the words used

Sophocles' Oedipus the King's diction is appropriate for

the era and culture that it represents. The language
used in the tragedy Is clear and authoritative. The
 language used in the tragedy Is also relatable to the
audience. The language of the tragedy Is not
unnecessarily complicated but Is instead designed to be
more accessible. For example, the play's primary focus is
on Irony, and the usage of language presents It clearly to
.the audience

Melody
Melody refers to the music and sounds incorporated
into the tragedy literature. According to Aristotle,
melody is essential as It sets the mood of the tragedy.
Music also adds a sense of rhythm and pace to the
.literature

Sophocles' Oedipus the King does not feature music or

sounds; however, it does Include the singing of
choruses. The choruses are used to set the mood of the
tragedy, and they give the audience a break from the
Intense action of the tragedy. The singing also set the
pacing of the tragedy, giving it a natural rhythm that
.keeps the audience engaged

Spectacle
Spectacle refers to the visual aspects of the tragedy,
such as the costumes or set design used In the tragedy
literature. According to Aristotle, spectacle is to enhance
 the audience's visual appeal; however, it should not be
.overused

In Sophocles' Oedipus the King, the spectacle is used as

an extension of the theme of sight and blindness. The
play shows how the audience becomes witnesses to
Oedipus's downfall, as they see the progress of his
Ignorance, ultimately leading to his self-inflicted
.blindness

Conclusion
Aristotle theory of tragedy Is one of the most Important
pieces of literature in the world of literature studies. It
originated from ancient Greece, where Aristotle, a
Greek philosopher, developed it from Greek tragedy
literature pieces. Aristotle's theory states that a tragedy
consists of six basic parts that are responsible for
making It successful. These six parts includeincludee
plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle.
The study of Aristotle's theory of tragedy aids majorly In
the understanding and analysis of tragedy literature.
Sophocles' Oedipus the King Is a perfect example of
Aristotle's theory of tragedy in action, having the
characteristics of the six essential parts. Sophocles'
Oedipus the King has a well-structured plot that follows
Aristotle's causal chain, a memorable exceptional
character that fits into Aristotle's tragic hero concept,
ethical and moral Ideas embedded into the storyline,
 clear and authoritative diction, a perfect melody that
interchanges choruses and action, and an aptitude for
visual spectacle. The play also gives its audience a lot to
ponder upon regarding the theme of sight and
blindness, and free will versus fate. Aristotle theory will
forever remain significant in the study of tragedy
literature
.