A Double Tragedy exists, according to Aristotle, with opposite endings for good and bad (a characteristic of comedy) in which the good are rewarded and the wicked punished. All tragedies, according to Aristotle, demonstrate a degree of pathos (suffering), while a complex (dual) plot includes reversal and recognition as well.
Dual Model of the Tragedy interprets both of Homer’s epics as demonstrating a sense of the Tragic. While this view of human experience and society is customarily linked with Greek tragedy rather than epic, The Illiad and The Odyssey present a view of pathos interwoven with the knowledge that it is unavoidable and inexplicable.
Using Aristotle’s Poetics as a guide the reader may observe during Demodocus’ songs in Book 8 of The Odyssey as a classic portrayal of pathos. Aristotle contends for pity is aroused by unmerited misfortune…