Greek tragedies are some of the most iconic and influential works of literature in history. But what made them so powerful and enduring?
One key figure who played a major role in shaping the art form was a philosopher who lived over two thousand years ago. His name was Aristotle, and his ideas about tragedy continue to influence writers and thinkers to this day.
In this article, we’ll explore how Aristotle’s insights into the structure and meaning of tragedy helped to shape the genre, and why his ideas still matter today.
So sit back, relax, and prepare to delve into the fascinating world of Greek tragedy with Aristotle as your guide.
How Was Aristotle Important To Greek Tragedies
Aristotle was a prominent Greek philosopher who analyzed and argued how ‘the perfect tragedy’ must be constructed in his work of Poetica. He believed that the plot was the soul of a tragedy, with character in second place.
Aristotle’s six different well-constructed elements of ‘the perfect tragedy’ were the Plot, the Tragic Hero, Thought, Diction, Spectacle, and the Chorus. If these elements were well-constructed and united forming the law of probability or necessity and also the universal significance, they would arouse the emotions of pity, fear, and aesthetic pleasure.
Aristotle believed that theatre came from the human desire to imitate and that it was important for the audience to experience katharsis (catharsis) – emotional release. He believed that a tragedy should be a complete story that was both serious and important. He believed theatre was to enlighten and to entertain.
Protagonists (heroes or heroines) of Greek tragedies were usually royalty. These protagonists had a tragic flaw or harmartia. Hamartia literally means “missing the mark” and refers to an obstacle that stands in the way of the protagonist reaching his/her goal. A protagonist’s tragic flaw was often hubris, or pride.
Aristotle’s three key elements which make a tragedy were harmartia, anagnorisis, and peripeteia. Hamartia is a hero’s tragic flaw; the aspect of the character which ultimately leads to their downfall. Anagnorisis occurs when the tragic hero recognizes something about themselves; some depth to their identity that spurs a change in action. Finally, peripeteia is the ‘reversal of fortune’ in the plot which marks the protagonist’s descent towards tragedy.
Aristotle’s Definition Of Tragedy
According to Aristotle, tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude. It involves language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play. A tragedy is in the form of action, not of narrative. The goal of tragedy is to evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience, effecting the proper purgation of these emotions.
Aristotle believed that every tragedy must have six parts that determine its quality. These six parts are plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and song. The plot is the soul of a tragedy, with character in second place. The tragic hero is usually a person of elevated social status who has a tragic flaw or harmartia that leads to their downfall.
Aristotle also believed that a tragedy should be a complete story that was both serious and important. He believed theatre was to enlighten and to entertain. The audience should experience katharsis (catharsis) – emotional release – through the performance.
In addition to harmartia, Aristotle identified two other key elements that make a tragedy: anagnorisis and peripeteia. Anagnorisis occurs when the tragic hero recognizes something about themselves; some depth to their identity that spurs a change in action. Finally, peripeteia is the ‘reversal of fortune’ in the plot which marks the protagonist’s descent towards tragedy.
The Elements Of Tragedy According To Aristotle
Aristotle believed that the plot was the most important element of a tragedy, as it was the soul of the tragedy. He believed that the plot should be serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude. The plot should also be embellished with artistic ornaments, such as language, which should be found in separate parts of the play. The form of action, not narrative, should be used to tell the story.
The tragic hero, or protagonist, was usually royalty and had a tragic flaw or harmartia. This flaw was often hubris, or pride. The tragic hero’s recognition of their flaw was anagnorisis, which spurs a change in action. Finally, peripeteia is the ‘reversal of fortune’ in the plot which marks the protagonist’s descent towards tragedy.
In addition to plot and character, Aristotle believed that thought, diction, spectacle, and song were also important elements of a tragedy. Thought referred to the themes and ideas explored in the play. Diction referred to the language used by the characters and how it contributed to the overall effect of the play. Spectacle referred to the visual elements of the play, such as costumes and scenery. Song referred to the use of music and poetry throughout the play.
Aristotle believed that these elements must be well-constructed and united forming the law of probability or necessity and also universal significance. If these elements were well-constructed, they would arouse emotions of pity, fear, and aesthetic pleasure in the audience. Aristotle believed that theatre came from human desire to imitate and that it was important for theatre to enlighten and entertain its audience.
The Importance Of Catharsis In Tragedy
Catharsis is a crucial element of Greek tragedy, and Aristotle believed that it was the ultimate goal of a good story. The concept of catharsis refers to the purging or cleansing of emotions, particularly pity and fear, through art. Aristotle believed that a tragedy should arouse these emotions in the audience and ultimately lead to their emotional release or catharsis.
In a tragedy, the protagonist experiences a catharsis at the end of the play – a realization that their downfall was brought about by their own actions and how to improve from that moment on. This realization leads to the cleansing of their soul, and they become whole again. This actor’s catharsis then translates onto the audience, who feels the same intense emotions as the actor and ultimately leaves the theatre feeling washed and cleansed once the play is over.
The use of catharsis as a way to cleanse one’s soul is prevalent even today, and the mark of a good playwright or author is to successfully make their character relatable to the audience or reader. Through experiencing fear vicariously in a controlled situation, the spectator’s own anxieties are directed outward, and through sympathetic identification with the tragic protagonist, their insight and outlook are enlarged. Tragedy then has a healthful and humanizing effect on the spectator or reader.
Aristotle’s Influence On Greek Tragedy And Beyond
Aristotle’s influence on Greek tragedy and beyond is immeasurable. His analysis of tragedy and the elements that make a perfect tragedy has been studied and used by playwrights and literary critics for centuries. Aristotle’s six elements of drama have been used as a guide for playwrights to construct their plays, ensuring that they are well-constructed and united.
Aristotle’s belief that theatre was to enlighten and to entertain has been carried forward through the ages, and is still reflected in modern theatre. Many modern plays are written with a purpose to educate the audience on important issues or to make them think about certain topics.
Aristotle’s analysis of the tragic hero has also been influential in literature. The idea of a tragic hero with a fatal flaw has been used in many works of literature, from Shakespeare’s Macbeth to Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.
Furthermore, Aristotle’s concept of catharsis, or emotional release, has also been influential in modern psychology. The idea that watching a tragedy can help people purge their emotions has been used in therapy to help people deal with their emotions.
The Relevance Of Aristotle’s Ideas In Modern Literature And Film.
Aristotle’s ideas on tragedy have had a lasting impact on modern literature and film. Many contemporary works of art still incorporate his six elements of a well-constructed tragedy, including plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and chorus. These elements are still considered essential to creating a powerful and moving story that resonates with audiences.
Moreover, Aristotle’s ideas on catharsis are still relevant today. Modern works of art often aim to evoke strong emotions in the audience, just as Aristotle believed a tragedy should. Catharsis allows the audience to experience an emotional release that can be both therapeutic and entertaining.
Aristotle’s focus on the tragic hero’s fatal flaw is also evident in modern literature and film. Many protagonists in contemporary works have a tragic flaw that ultimately leads to their downfall, just as in Greek tragedies. This aspect of character development continues to be an essential element in creating compelling and relatable characters.
Finally, Aristotle’s emphasis on the importance of storytelling has influenced modern literature and film. His belief that a tragedy should be serious and important still holds true today. Many contemporary works aim to tell powerful stories that enlighten and entertain audiences.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s ideas on tragedy have had a significant impact on modern literature and film. His six elements of a well-constructed tragedy, focus on catharsis, tragic hero’s fatal flaw, and emphasis on storytelling continue to be relevant today.
