Aristotle's terminology for a tragedy in relation to Patroclus' death in the Iliad
...and Hector saw him “trying to stagger free” (p. 439, ln 952), and then just finished him off. His death caused the quick switch from high to low, or the reversal, because they had been doing so well in battle and were “winning a little breathing room” (p.422, ln 355) before he died. So the soldier’s mood will probably go down again, but in his last words Patroclus hinted that Achilles will fight again, which will help the Achaeans. However, there was no recognition in his death. Everyone knew that it was Patroclus fighting and who it was that killed him, so only part of Aristotle’s idea of the tragic plot is correct when applied to The Iliad. For the most part, I agree with Aristotle in what makes a tragic plot, and this epic definitely contains one. However, Patroclus’ death is not what makes it tragic, it is part of it and adds to the overall tragedy, but...