This new political independence meant that any free male citizen of Athens could achieve being one of the rulers of the city and having the fate of his community in his hands. ... The plays, which were based on legends or remote history (though given the appearance of truth), were interpreted so as to convey some religious, moral, or political meaning, according with the beliefs of the tragic poet. ... By participating vicariously in the grief, pain and fear of the tragic hero or heroine, the spectator, in Aristotle's words, experiences pity and fear and is purged. ...

• Word Count: 1396
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate