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Tragedy, as defined by Aristotle's Poetics, delves into the intricacies of dramatic structure, emphasizing six essential elements, expressing opinions on optimal tragic plots, and proposing effective means to evoke pivotal emotions such as pity and fear. Aristotle's exploration extends to the elaborate structure of poetic justice, where virtue is rewarded and villainy is punished, encapsulating the essence of tragic narrative.
In Aristotle's analysis, the finest tragedy is characterized by complexity rather than simplicity. It serves as a portrayal of both terrible and piteous events, the distinctive markers of this form of imitation.
Aristotle contends that the progression of good men from prosperity to misfortune fails to evoke pity or fear, generating only revulsion. Conversely, the rise of evil men from ill fortune to prosperity constitutes the most untragic plot, lacking the ability to elicit human sympathy, pity, or fear.
Moreover, the fall of an extremely wicked individual from prosperity into misfortune, while potentially garnering human sympathy, fails to instigate pity or fear.
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True tragedy lies in the narrative of individuals between these extremes – individuals not pre-eminent in virtue and justice, yet not falling into misfortune through vice or depravity but due to some mistake.
Such characters become relatable, embodying the human condition in its inherent flaws and unexpected turns. It is in this nuanced space that tragedy finds its resonance, striking a chord with the audience's collective experiences of life's uncertainties and moral ambiguities.
Aristotle advocates for poetic justice, wherein the virtuous are rewarded and evildoers are punished.
This concept implies a distribution of prosperity and adversity commensurate with the merits of the characters involved. However, when evaluating Shakespeare's tragedies, particularly according to Dr. Johnson, the presence of poetic justice is disputed. Johnson accuses Shakespeare of sacrificing virtue for convenience and subjecting major characters to disproportionate suffering in relation to their faults.
Shakespeare, a realist of his time, presents a departure from the idealized concept of poetic justice. The deaths of characters such as Ophelia, Cordelia, Lear, Gloucester, and Banquo lack poetic justice. Shakespeare's portrayal is grounded in the realities of human nature, where the concept of poetic justice in its pure form is deemed impractical. Goneril, Regan, Cornwall, and Edmund, on the other hand, meet their poetic demise.
Even within individual plays, the application of poetic justice varies. In "Macbeth," the murder of Lady Macduff and her children stands as a tragic injustice, while the deaths of Hamlet's mother, uncle, and Ophelia's father align with poetic justice. The intricacies of Shakespeare's characters and their fates contribute to the richness of his tragic tapestry, presenting a diverse array of moral consequences.
Shakespeare's realism is evident in plays like "King Lear," where conventional poetic justice prevails in the triumph of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked. However, a subtler form of justice emerges, transcending temporal rewards and manifesting in the characters' internal transformations. Macbeth's degradation before the battle stands as a testament to this more nuanced justice, far more impactful than his eventual defeat and death.
Even in "Hamlet," often perceived as a traditional revenge play, the narrative deviates. While revenge remains a central theme, the play's focus shifts to Hamlet's internal struggle, questioning the validity and usefulness of revenge itself. The ambiguity surrounding Hamlet's delay introduces a complexity that challenges the conventional structure of revenge tragedy.
Shakespeare's commitment to realism goes beyond the portrayal of characters and their fates. The settings, dialogues, and societal dynamics within his plays reflect the intricacies of Elizabethan Europe. This attention to detail adds layers of authenticity to his works, creating a vivid tapestry of the human experience that extends beyond the stage.
In conclusion, Aristotle's Poetics provides a framework for understanding tragic drama, emphasizing complexity, poetic justice, and the elicitation of essential emotions. However, Shakespeare's realism introduces a departure from the idealized notion of poetic justice, grounding his narratives in the complexities of human nature. The interplay between virtue, vice, and unforeseen mistakes adds depth to Shakespeare's tragedies, challenging traditional expectations and enriching the exploration of the human condition.
Through nuanced characters, intricate plots, and a keen understanding of the human psyche, Shakespeare crafted tragedies that resonate across centuries. His works continue to captivate audiences, inviting them to ponder the complexities of morality, justice, and the unpredictable nature of life. In embracing both Aristotle's foundations and the pragmatic realism of his era, Shakespeare created a timeless legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and cultural shifts.
Exploring Tragic Drama: Aristotle's Poetics and Shakespearean Realism. (2016, Sep 30). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/poetic-diction-in-shakespearean-tragedies-essay
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