An irredeemable reversal of the hero's fortune in a tragedy is called.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing a reversal of the hero's fortune in a tragedy. The key words are "reversal of fortune."

Step 2: Explain the concepts (Aristotle's Poetics)

• Purgation (catharsis): The emotional cleansing the audience feels through pity and fear at the end of a tragedy.
• Peripeteia: The sudden turning point or reversal of fortune, where the hero's situation changes from good to bad. In Greek, it means "reversal."
• Hubris: Excessive pride or overconfidence that often leads to the hero's downfall. It is a cause, not the reversal itself.
• Anagnorisis: The moment of recognition or discovery, when the hero realizes the truth about their situation or identity.

Step 3: Apply to the question The question describes a "reversal of fortune," which is the literal meaning of peripeteia. Here is how it works in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex: Oedipus thinks he is rescuing Thebes and finding the killer of Laius, but his investigation turns against him and reveals that he himself is the killer. His fortune collapses and cannot be undone. The recognition of this truth (anagnorisis) comes alongside the reversal, but they are different things.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. peripeteia.

Exam tip: Remember the trio of tragic terms in order:

• Hubris = the flaw (pride)
• Peripeteia = the Pivot (reversal)
• Anagnorisis = the Aha moment (recognition)
• Catharsis/purgation = the audience's release at the end

If you see "reversal," think "P for Peripeteia, P for Pivot."