Aristotle claims that the audience of a tragedy experiences a catharsis, an emotional purgation that actually makes us feel better rather than worse after seeing the play. Much like the adrenaline rush one gets from a scary movie, the tragic events within the play relieve us of the pity and fear we have built up within ourselves, therefore elevating our overall mood. Do you believe the readings you worked through and discussed contain such catharsis? Explain your response in detail using examples from at least two different plays.
