Aristotle’s
Definition of Tragedy 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. By
'language embellished,' I mean language into which rhythm, 'harmony' and song
enter. By 'the several kinds in separate parts,' I mean,
that some parts are rendered through the medium of verse alone, others again
with the aid of song. - from Poetics |