Humanities CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What is the main purpose of a tragedy according to Aristotle’s Poetica?

To bring the audience to tears

To evoke a moral lesson

Aristotle believed that the main purpose of a tragedy was to evoke a moral lesson, also referred to as "catharsis." This means that by witnessing the struggles of the tragic hero and the consequences of their actions, the audience is able to learn a moral lesson and release any negative emotions that they may have been holding onto. Option A, bringing the audience to tears, may be a side effect of witnessing the tragic events but it is not the main purpose. Option C, glorifying the gods, is a common theme in ancient Greek tragedies, but it is not the main purpose according to Aristotle. Option D, providing comic relief, is the purpose of a comedy, not a tragedy.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

To glorify the gods

To provide comic relief

Next Question

Report this question

Download Humanities CLEP Prep Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy