Difference between revisions of "Peripeteia"
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| − | '''Peripeteia''' is a sudden change or reversal in circumstances. The term is most commonly associated with Classical drama, and according to [[Aristotle]], [[Tragedy]] in particular. <ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%253Atext%253A1999.01.0056%253Asection%253D1447a= ''Poetics'' -- Aristotle]</ref> Though traditionally associated with Classical | + | '''Peripeteia''' is a sudden change or reversal in circumstances. The term is most commonly associated with Classical drama, and according to [[Aristotle]], [[Tragedy]] in particular. <ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%253Atext%253A1999.01.0056%253Asection%253D1447a= ''Poetics'' -- Aristotle]</ref> Though traditionally associated with Classical works, Peripeteia is a pervasive trope in almost all dramatic narratives, from Shakespeare, all the way through to the 2011 film [[Captain America|''Captain America'']]. |
==The Wheel of Fortune== | ==The Wheel of Fortune== | ||
Revision as of 22:49, November 30, 2011
Peripeteia is a sudden change or reversal in circumstances. The term is most commonly associated with Classical drama, and according to Aristotle, Tragedy in particular. [1] Though traditionally associated with Classical works, Peripeteia is a pervasive trope in almost all dramatic narratives, from Shakespeare, all the way through to the 2011 film Captain America.
The Wheel of Fortune
Peripeteia is often described as a wheel of fortune. As the wheel turns, those at the high point will find themselves descending whilst those at the bottom, discover their prospects improving. Thus whilst some character may lose all that is dear to them, others will have good fortunes and get what they desire by the end of the narrative. In traditional narratives, this often means death for the unlucky, and marriage/love for the fortunate.