Which term in Aristotle's tragedy criteria means a turning point or reversal?

Which term in Aristotle's tragedy criteria means a turning point or reversal?

• A. Peripeteia
• B. Anagnorisis
• C. Hamartia
• D. Hubris

Answer: (A)

Peripeteia is the turning point in Aristotle's tragedy—a moment when the hero's fortunes suddenly reverse, shifting the course of the story from favorable to unfavorable. This reversal drives the plot toward its grim outcome and heightens the audience’s sense of catastrophe as expectations are upended. Anagnorisis is the moment of recognition when the protagonist realizes a crucial truth about themselves or the situation. Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to downfall. Hubris is excessive pride that often fuels that faulty judgment. So, the term that specifically denotes the reversal of fortune is peripeteia.

Peripeteia is the turning point in Aristotle's tragedy—a moment when the hero's fortunes suddenly reverse, shifting the course of the story from favorable to unfavorable. This reversal drives the plot toward its grim outcome and heightens the audience’s sense of catastrophe as expectations are upended. Anagnorisis is the moment of recognition when the protagonist realizes a crucial truth about themselves or the situation. Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to downfall. Hubris is excessive pride that often fuels that faulty judgment. So, the term that specifically denotes the reversal of fortune is peripeteia.