Aristotle defines anagnorisis or discovery under his definition of simple and complex fables or plots. A simple plot is one in which the hero experiences a change of fortune without any twists or turns. Peripeteia is defined as a reversal or change “from one state of affairs within a play to its opposite.”1 Aristotle defines discovery as “a change from ignorance to knowledge, and then to love or to hatred, in the character marked forever”. or bad luck. The most beautiful form of discovery is one accompanied by vicissitudes, such as that which accompanies discovery in Oedipus.2 A complex fable is one in which discovery leads to vicissitudes, although the complex plot may involve discovery or vicissitudes or both. When both occur together and result in a climax or turning point, the result of their combination constitutes “the most effective kind of tragedy.” one might argue that a tragedy that does not involve discovery is not as effective as one that does. However, Aristotle insists that the realization of a tragic hero's hamartia is obligatory. If the tragic hero experiences some degree of discovery in a complex tragedy, the tragic effect is evidently heightened. Despite the self-realization of his flaw, the hero usually cannot change his course due to circumstances already set in motion. Self-realization on the part of a hero involves recognition of his flaw and enlightenment on his part as he moves from ignorance and innocence to self-realization. knowledge, guilt and greater awareness. When he comes to awareness, he can sense his true nature or understand his predicament and the factors that led him to his current state. A modern definition of anagnorisis is “the tragic hero's recognition of himself and the essence of life.” Welland, Dennis, Arthur Miller, New York: Grove Press, 1961, pp. 38-39.7. Atkinson Brook. Critic at Large: Definition of Tragedy Finds Examples in Life as well as Literature, New York Times, December 12, 19618. Butcher, S. H. Aristotle's Theory of Poetry and the Fine Arts with a Critical Text and Translation of the Poetics, 4th Rev. Ed., Dover Publications, Inc., 1951, pp. 317-19.9. Brown, Mason, John. I Still See Things, New York, McGraw-Hill, 1950, pp.203-04.10. Weales, Gerald. Theater without walls, harvest time Robert E. Spiller ed. New York: Hill & Wang, 1994, p. 142.11. Bettina, M. Sister. Willy Loman's Brother Ben: Tragic Insight in Death of a Salesman, Modern Drama, IV, (1961-62), pp. 409-12. Dillingham, B. Williams. Arthur Miller and the Loss of Consciousness, Emory University Quarterly, XVI (Spring, 1960).