Catastrophe

(kat-as'tro-fe.) [Gr, from katastrepho, I bring to a climax.) (Lit.) In Dramatic Poetry, the 4th and final part in the anc. drama, or that immediately following the catastasis. It consists in the unfolding and winding up of the plot, clearing up difficulties, and closing the play. A fall from grandeur to extreme misery, exile, death, ., forms a C. in tragedy; marriage, in comedy. [s. 153]