Abstract
To discuss a type of literature such as tragedy is a dangerous and often quite a confusing business. To read the sometimes conflicting views of critics from Aristotle to Hume to Arthur Miller would lead the student to believe that, although tragedy exists, an objective and productive examination of the type would be impossible. | Critical discussions abound in controversy concerning the physical properties of tragedy—the character of the hero, the emotional effect, the length and setting of the drama—yet few good critical evaluations of the "spirit" of tragedy are in print. True, such a discussion could tend toward ineffectual ramblings concerning the "beauties" of tragedy, but a logical and worthwhile evaluation is not only possible, it is of prime importance for an adequate understanding of true high tragedy.