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Aristotle states that tragedy is “an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude”(p. 22). Hamlet is an excellent example of this. The play centers around Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s death, this is a serious action. It is also complete in the sense that all the loose ends are tied together in a sensible, believable manner. Hamlet is able to avenge his father’s death by …

…unmerited misfortune. He has done nothing to bring about his father’s death. To make the situation even more painful, his mother has married his uncle whom he suspects is responsible for the tragedy. These circumstances illicit pity from the audience. The fear of impending evil is also prevalent in the play. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that the king is plotting to kill Hamlet and Hamlet is planning to kill the king.