Chapter 46

In chapter forty-six, Aristotle states that "epic poetry and tragedy, comedy also and Dithryambic poetry and the music of the flute and of the lyre in most of the forms are all in their general conception modes of imitation". He then reveals the difference of these different forms of comedy: the distinction of the medium, the objects, and the manner or mode of imitation. People often subconsciously imitate objects in their surroundings. This is produced by rhythm, language, or harmony. This is true because when you are around a friend for a long time or you start placing yourself in a similar environment everyday, you are going to start adapting to your friend's habits and way of speech. Aristotle states that comedy is "an imitation of characters of a lower type". Tragedy is "an imitation of an action that is serious".

Tragedies and comedies are different in many ways. In tragedies, men are often higher than ordinary and they have a high status, determinism, high seriousness, pessimism, and pain. Comedies involve me lower than ordinary with a low status, freedom, not serious at all, optimism and pleasure. At the end of a comedy, you will most likely find yourself in a jolly mood, whereas after a tragedy, you will leave with a big sense of emotion. In tragedies, the audience will most likely wish the ending or the plot was different.