The History of catharsis from early Greeks to the 20th Century.

What is it about?

This study is about the effect of literature--tragedy in this case--on its audience. It investigates the contradictory feelings we all go through when we see a tragedy: fear for ourselves and pity for the hero. This feeling is what Aristotle calls "catharsis."

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Why is it important?

I think it is important because as long as people watch plays or read literature they will find the concept vital to understanding their feelings and aesthetic response.