Aristotle uses a number of Greek terms in The Poetics that have become a part of our literary lexicon. Review the terms below and think of examples of texts that use each one.
Anagnorisis: recognition by the tragic hero of some truth about his or her identity or actions that accompanies the reversal of the situation in the plot (peripeteia).
antistrophe: the second section of the chorus
Deux ex machina: the intervention of an unexpected or invented character, device or event to resolve a plot
Aristotle is disdainful of deux ex machina as a device to resolve plot situations in tragedy, as a tragedy must unravel because of the inner logic of the piece - not from a sudden intervention of the Gods (or the author).
Denouement: the unraveling of the plot following the climax; often begins immediately once the peripeteia passes
Dithyramb: choral poetry (that eventually evolved into the choral song)
Episodion: an 'episode' of plot; not part of an organic, determinate structure; usually significant of an indeterminate structure
epode: the third section of the choral interlude
Hamartia: the hero's tragic 'flaw' or 'frailty' that leads to his demise
Mimesis: another term for poetic imitation
Pathos: the pity and fear that a poet uses to create catharsis, the purgation of emotions, in an audience for a tragedy
strophe: the first movement of the choral interlude
Telos: represents the 'essence' or unity of a given plot
