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While Aristotle's analysis of tragedy may not be directly related to his philosophy of rhetoric, no study of Aristotle would by complete without a short introduction. According to Aristotle, tragedy is "the imitation of an action that is serious and . . . complete in itself," incorporating "incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish the catharsis of such emotions." The following elements, according to Aristotle, must be found within a literary text in order for it to …

…again bring structure and harmony to Denmark. V. The fall of the tragic hero arouses feelings of "pity and fear" in the audience. Audience members experience a catharsis as they witness the tragedy. Example Perhaps readers must decide the success of this aspect of a given dramatic work on an individual basis. However, very few people who have truly read and studied Hamlet are not moved to some degree by the events of the play.