Aristotles Poetics Complexity and Pleasure in Tragedy...

Aristotles Poetics: Complexity and Pleasure in Tragedy Aristotle 384-322 BC First, the instinct of imitation is implanted in man from childhood, one difference between him and other animals being that he is the most imitative of living creatures, and through imitation learns his earliest lessons; and no less universal is the pleasure felt in things imitated. We have evidence of this in the facts of experience. Objects which in themselves we view with pain, we delight to contemplate when reproduced with minute fidelity Poetics Chapter 1V In his Poetics [1] Aristotle classifies plot into two types: simple [haplos], and complex [peplegmenos]. The simple plot is defined as a unified construct of necessary and probable actions†¦show more content†¦Unity of time, in contrast to its neo-classical applications, here simply means the time span in which the tragic action can be best comprehended by the audience, given the constraints of human memory, and the wholeness of the action. Finally, we come to the change of fortune. It is either from good to bad or the reverse. The former is more characteristic of tragedy but in a later section Aristotle complicates the idea by saying that those plots where the catastrophe is averted by recognition are best. The change of fortune is also accompanied by a complication of events [desis] and their resolution [lusis]. Having briefly examined the common aspects of both kinds of plot, we can now look at the special attributes of the complex plot. Let us take another look at Aristotles celebrated definition of complex action: A complex action is one where the change is accompanied by such reversal or recognition or both. Peripeteia has been defined as a reversal of the action. If, however, it is just that, then how is it different from the change of fortune? Clearly this is too limited a definition of peripeteia and it would perhaps be pertinent to consider two other definitions. Humphrey House [2] defines it as a reversal of intention. This definition takes into account the thought or the dianoia exercised by the character. House describes it as holding the wrong endShow MoreRelatedOpedipus, a tragic hero Essay example1708 Words   |  7 PagesOutline Thesis Statement: Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament. Introduction I. Sophocles’ Oedipus: A Tragic Hero A. Definition of a tragic hero B. Oedipus Character as it relates II. Tragedy A. Language of Tragedy B. Tragedy as it affects the audience III. Plot A. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot B. Significance of the plot IV. Virtue and Morality Read MoreOedipus And Aristotle s Definition Of A Tragic Hero1466 Words   |  6 PagesOedipus exemplifies or refutes Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero. Thesis Statement: Oedipus is the personification of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to maintain and keep his virtue and wisdom, despite his shortcomings and situation in life. Introduction I. Tragic Hero A. Definition of a tragic hero B. Oedipus’ Character II. Tragedy A. Language of Tragedy B. Tragedy and its affects on audience III. Plot A. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot B. MeaningRead MoreAristotle And William Shakespeare1781 Words   |  8 PagesBoth Aristotle and William Shakespeare followed certain guidelines throughout their writing in tragedies. Aristotle’s interpretation of a tragedy’s guidelines is expressed in Shakespeare’s plays as William Shakespeare was greatly inspired by Aristotle and firmly believed in his ideas. Aristotle set a bar that most notable authors including William Shakespeare strove to expound upon. Reading through the many different texts of these authors, a reader can definitely see that significant impact that