what is catharsis in a tragedy
Written By: Catharsis, the purification or purgation of the emotions (especially pity and fear) primarily through art. In criticism, catharsis is a metaphor used by Aristotle in the Poetics to describe the effects of true tragedy on the spectator. The use is derived from the medical term katharsis (Greek: âpurgationâ or âpurificationâ). Aristotle states that the purpose of tragedy is to arouse âterror and pityâ and thereby effect the catharsis of these emotions.