peripeteia etymology

Etymology

The word "peripeteia" comes from the Greek word περῐπέτεια (peripéteia), which means "a sudden reversal of fortune" or "a change in circumstances." It is derived from the verb περιπίπτειν (peripíptō), which means "to fall into" or "to undergo."

Meaning

In literature, peripeteia refers to a sudden and unexpected turn of events that drastically changes the protagonist's situation or the course of the plot. It often involves a reversal of fortune, where the protagonist suddenly experiences a major setback or obstacle that challenges their goals or plans.

Origin

The concept of peripeteia originated in ancient Greek drama, specifically in the works of Aristotle. In his "Poetics," Aristotle defines peripeteia as a pivotal moment in a play where the protagonist's fortune changes drastically, leading to a reversal of their situation.

Examples

• In Shakespeare's "Othello," Iago's manipulation of Othello leads to a series of peripeteias that ultimately destroy the protagonist.
• In Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex," the discovery of Oedipus' true identity results in a tragic peripeteia that leads to his downfall.
• In Toni Morrison's "Beloved," Sethe's decision to murder her children in order to protect them from slavery creates a complex peripeteia that haunts her for the rest of her life.

peripeteia relate terms

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• apteryx

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• Coleoptera

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  Etymology Latin competere meaning to seek together to strive after Proto Indo Eu

• competent

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• eurypterid

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• feather

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• helicopter

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• impetigo

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• impetuous

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• impetus

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• iopterous

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• Lepidoptera

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• ornithopter

• panache

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• panne

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• pennon

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• peripeteia

  Etymology The word peripeteia comes from the Greek word περῐπέτεια peripét

• perpetual

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• perpetuity

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• petition

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• petulance

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• petulant

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• pinion

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• pinnacle

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• pinnate

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• pinniped

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• potamo

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• potamology

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• propitiation

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• propitious

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• ptero

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• ptomaine

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• ptosis

  Etymology From Ancient Greek πτῶσις ptōsis a falling from πίπτω pip

• repeat

  Etymology Latin repetitus past participle of repetere to go back return Proto Indo

• symptom

  Etymology Ancient Greek σύμπτωμα sýmptōma meaning incident concomitant

• surprise

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• baffle

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• Aryan

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• binge

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• mall

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• affidavit

  Etymology Latin affidavit meaning he she has sworn third person singular perfect

• memoir

  Etymology French mémoire memory Latin memoria remembrance Meaning A memo

• Friday

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• warrant

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• suppose

  Etymology Meaning The study of the origin and development of words Origin Greek ety