[1]
1
Now, revolution is a mutation, as has been stated, of actions into a contrary condition; and this,
11.1
as we say, according to the probable, or the necessary.
11.2
Thus in the " Œdipus, 1” the messenger who comes with an intention of delighting Oedipus and liberating him from his fear respecting his mother, when he makes himself known, produces a contrary effect. Thus, too, in the “Lynceus," he indeed is introduced as one who is to die,
11.3
and Danaus follows with an intention of killing him ; but it happens from the course of incidents, that Lynceus is saved, and Danaus is slain.
2
And discovery is,
11.4
as the name signifies, a change from ignorance to knowledge, or into the friendship or hatred of those who are destined to prosperous or adverse fortune.
11.5
The discovery, however, is most beautiful, when at the same time there are, as in the “Œdipus,
revolutions.
3
11.6
There are, therefore, other discoveries also. For sometimes it happens, as has been before observed, that there are discoveries of things inanimate3, and casual; or if some one has
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6
performed, or has not performed, a thing, there is a recognition of it; but the discovery which especially pertains to the fable and the action is that before mentioned.
7
11.7
For a discovery and revolution of this kind will excite either pity or fear; and tragedy is supposed to be an imitation of such actions [as excite fear and pity]. Again, it will happen that infelicity and felicity will be in such like discoveries.
8
But since discovery is a discovery of certain persons, some [discoveries] are of one person only with reference to another, when it is evident who the other person is,
11.8
but sometimes it is necessary to discover both persons. Thus Iphigenia was recognised by Orestes through the sending an epistle4; but another discovery was requisite to his being known by Iphigenia.
9
11.9
[Two parts of the fable, therefore, viz. revolution and discovery, are conversant with these things; but the third part is pathos. And of these, revolution and discovery have been already discussed. Pathos, however, is an action destructive, or lamentable ;
11.10
such as death when it is obvious, grievous pains, wounds, and such like particulars 6.]