AP+2013+P2+Theory+of+Tragedy

Theory of Tragedy - Historical Elena Meeker The concept of tragedy in plays has been around since the Greeks popularized the art of theatre. Classic plays most often fell into either of two distinct categories - comedic or tragic. Comedic plays were often humorous and were set in an upbeat atmosphere with a positive ending. Tragedies, on the other hand, were the extreme opposite. In tragic plays, the mood was tense, the characters experienced hardship and trials, and there was almost always death. Aristotle's’ theory of tragedy was developed in an effort to explain the basics of classic tragedy. According to Aristotle, “tragedy involves a protagonist of high estate (‘better than we’) who falls from prosperity to misery through a series of reversals and discoveries as a result of a ‘tragic flaw,’ generally an error caused by human frailty” (Schwartz). Aristotle also depicted the purpose of the "enormous suffering and violent action" ("Tragedy") that were common elements in tragic plays. Aristotle determined these traits to be essential elements of the foundation for a classic tragic play. Since the dawn of tragedy in ancient Greece, the basic elements of tragic literature have remained similar. However, throughout history, the use of tragedy in plays has been altered by many playwrights to fit the context of their works and the era in which it was written.

Schwartz, Debora B. "Shakespearean Tragedy." Shakespearean Tragedy. California Polytechnic State University, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

"Tragedy." Tragedy. University of Vermont, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

Theory of Tragedy - Cultural Elena Meeker  Like the majority of classic literature, classic plays and literature were not created simply for entertainment. Rather, they had intrinsic value because of their heavy, culturally-associated themes, and “had a communal function - to contribute to the good health of the community. This is why dramatic performances were a part of religious festivals and community celebrations” (“Aristotle”). Just as satirical literature was written for the purpose of highlighting a human flaw, tragic literature and plays were created in the attempt to highlight the drastic effects of negative human behavior. In order to do this effectively, actors onstage portrayed events that got to the heart of their audience. Tragic poems were used for this purp ose. The intention of tragedy in plays was to create a theme that “plays a crucial role in the course of cultural change” (“Tragedy”). Playwrights understood that through their plays, there could spark a social change. The concept of incorporating tragedy into plays was to leave the audience with the understanding of the consequences suffered by the characters in the play. Through this, it was the hope of playwrights that the audience would gain a deeper moral understanding because of the tragedy in the play.

"Aristotle." Aristotle. LitOnline, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

"Tragedy." Tragedy. University of Vermont, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

Aim- Caelyn Buller

Tragedy has been a part of theatre and classic literature throughout history and still continues to be a major factor in modern culture. Tragedy was first popularized by the Greeks through theatre and Aristotle was one of the first to really analyze tragedy through the concepts he describes included in his “Theory of Tragedy”. One of the main factors of the “Theory of Tragedy” of Aristotle is described as, “According to Aristotle, tragedies where the outcome depends on a tightly constructed cause-and-effect chain of actions are superior to those that depend primarily on the character and personality of the protagonist” (McManus 1). In Aristotle’s theory of tragedy, this explains what tragedies are supposed to accomplish or achieve in the two different types. Aristotle has analyzed the different forms of tragedy and has found it most effective when there is the cause-and-effect chain of events that lead to the tragedy seen. This shows that the authors of tragedy in Aristotle’s mind should aim to create plays, novels, etc based on this belief. The aim of Aristotle’s theory is to influence writers to realize how to effectively write a tragedy and for critics to effectively critique the work that is defined as a tragedy. Aristotle’s methods to write or produce a tragedy have been defined within society and have served as a way for others to write in what is believed to be proper. Aristotle’s methods did serve as a guide to others are covered in Daniel J. Campbell’s essay “ Aeschylus L and Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy”. In this he covers the ideas that Aristotle was the basis for tragedy in writing when explaining, “His theory of tragedy has been its guide and each tragedian has interpreted according as his plays fitted into this mold. Never has there been any question, as far as this method was concerned, of doubting for a moment that each dramatist intended to conform to this formula” (Campbell 1). This shows that every writer or so called “tragedian” follows Aristotle’s theories if they want a successful tragedy that people will enjoy or be enticed in. This is important because Aristotle aimed to provide people with a theory that would help them in their writings to write the most efficient form of tragedy. Aristotle’s aim is clear in that he wanted people to follow his theories and this can be seen in the successful tragedies seen throughout history succeeding Aristotle.

Work Cited:

Campbell, Daniel J., "Aeschylus and Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy" (1946). Master's Theses. Paper 88.

McManus, Barbara F. "Outline of Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy." //Barbara F. McManus: Professor of Classic Emertia//. The College of New Rochelle, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2013.

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For centuries upon centuries audiences character attachment and involvement has resulted in a connection that makes individuals feel as though they are losing a loved one when tragedy befalls upon the character, regardless of the story line being fiction or not. this is because people are able to connect emotionally with the characters and the roles that they play. they relate their reality to that of the fictional world of the character, or sometimes even the “real world”of the character, when the story is based of something that did happen Shakespeare was well known for his usage of comedy and tragedy in his plays. it has been said that music can alter a person, change their mood. the same can be applied to plays because they are more in depth. when individuals in a story line go through trials and tribulations, people feel for them, and want to make things better, even if what the character in the play is in the wrong. It all depends on how the story is portrayed, and through whose eyes it is seen. plays serve as a form of escape for audiences, and when the story fails to end happily the roots of connection grow deeper for the audience. This is why shakespeare was so successful in his tragedies. while people may claim that they wish a certain character had not died, or “the bad thing that happened” they wish had not happened, yet it is these events that makes the story both memorable and lovable. people want things to go wrong. it is something different from their everyday life, and it does not happen to them, so this provides a way for an audience to feel something, without having to deal with the real life consequences. =====