In it, Aristotle defines the three key elements that consist of the tragic plot ("muthos"): the reversal of the situation, the recognition ("agnorisis"), and the scene of suffering ("pathos"). ... The reversal of the situation occurs when Creon returns with a message stating the plague will end when the murderer, who is within the city, of Laius, former king of Thebes, is caught and banned. ... As described, the recognition is Oedipus" discovery of his identity, which brings upon the guilt he had been avoiding throughout the play. One can see that the recognition plays a significant role ...

• Word Count: 696
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Complex plots have both "reversal of situation" (peripeteia) and "recognition" (anagnorisis) connected with the catastrophe. ... Hegel thinks that Sophocles' Antigone is a perfect example of a tragedy. ... For example, Antigone was caught between doing the right thing from the religious point of view (burial of her dead brother) and doing the right thing from the point of view of law (obeying the king's orders). ...

• Word Count: 559
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School