Aristotle’s Tragedy

 

Aristotle’s Tragedy

Hello Everyone,

This blog based on task given by Dilip Barad Sir,

Let us discuss,

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The word "tragedy" comes from the Greek word "tragōidia," which means 'a formal play or poem with a sad ending.'

A tragedy is a genre of drama focused on human suffering. The drama typically consists of human flaw or weakness in  one of the work’s central characters which then triggers a devastating event for that character’s orbit.

Aristotle described six elements of tragedy in his work ‘poetics’.

•  Plot: 'soul of tragedy'. Most important element of tragedy.

• Character: In tragedy should be realistic and believable.

• Thought : Aristotle believed that a tragedy should have a central theme or message.

• Diction : It is appropriate to the character and the situation.

• Spectacles : refers to the visual and auditory elements of tragedy.

•  Melody : Aristotle believed that the music should support the emotional content of the play.

#1) Have you studied any tragedy during the B.A programme? Who were the tragic protagonists in those tragedies ? What was their 'hamartia'?

* King lear:

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King Lear’ is one of Shakespeare's tragedies presentes complex narrative and gives the theme of power and family dynamics. The king is the protagonist of the story. In King Lear, protagonist King fits as a tragic hero archetype with his nobel status and tragic flaw the play evokes the pity and fear as Lear's downfall leading to catharsis and audiences.
*Hamartia:

In Shakespeare's play King Lear the tragic hero hamartia is his hubris and lack of insight. He didn’t think once and got an immediate decision and banished his younger daughter who is genuine and honest. King Lear's inability to see through his daughter's false flattery and his rash decision lead to his downfall and the tragic events that unfold in the play.

*Death of a Salesman:- Arthur Miller:
In Arthur Miller's death of a salesman, the tragic protagonist is Willy Loman. The play is a modern tragedy that explores the life and downfall of Willy, reflecting Miller's adaptation of traditional tragic elements to the context of 20th-century America.
#Hamartia:
Delusional Idealism and Obsession with Success. Willy Loman's tragic flaw is his delusional belief in the American Dream and his obsession with achieving success and recognition.
He is unable to accept the reality of his situation and clings to an unattainable ideal. This leads to his mental decline, strained relationships with his family, and ultimately, his tragic death.

*Hamlet:- William Shakespeare
"Hamlet," one of William Shakespeare's most renowned tragedies, features Prince Hamlet of Denmark as its tragic protagonist. The play is a profound exploration of themes such as revenge, madness, and mortality, and it exemplifies the elements of Aristotelian tragedy.

#Hamartia:
Indecisiveness and Overthinking .Hamlet’s tragic flaw is his indecisiveness and his tendency to overthink. This flaw is highlighted by his inability to act decisively on the ghost's command to avenge his father’s murder. Hamlet is paralyzed by his philosophical reflections and doubts about the morality and consequences of revenge.
This delay in action leads to a series of tragic events, including the deaths of several characters and his own demise




#2) How far do you agree with Plato's objection to freedom of expression enjoyed by creative writers ?

Plato worried about art's effects on society; he thought that artist might twist the truth. He believed that poets often despite the Gods and heroes behaving immorally. He argued that poets create inspiration rather than knowledge, which misleads people about reality.
I believe that art is a way for individuals to express themselves and show their feelings and ideas, and art can help us to see the world from different angles and learn about various cultures. Even if art portrays strong emotions or challenging topics, it doesn't necessarily mean that people will act badly because of it.

∆ my argument with Plato's objection is partial:

Emotions are an integral part of human experience. Creative writing may not always aim to convey truths. In modern times society believes in freedom of expression art can sometimes challenge our thoughts.
In Today's era art is a powerful tool for shaping, learning and growing individuals.



#Here, list of movies based on Aristotle's tragedy:

• Rang de basanti (2006):- the film portrays the transformation of a group of carefree young men into revolutionary fighters after a tragic incident.
• Devdas (2002):- The tragic flaw of the protagonist , Devdas in his inability to reconcile with his love for puro due to his pride and societal pressure.
• Omkara (2006):- An adaptation of Shakespeare's ‘Othello .The film captured Aristotle's tragedy through the protagonist's tragic fall and resulting catharsis
• Udaan (2010):- The recognition and eventual confirmation with his father lead to a Catherine resolution.
• Bajirao mastani(2010):- This historical romance shows the tragic love story of peshwa bajirao and mastani. It Was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhanushali.
• Black (2005):- This film tells us the story of blind girl and her teacher. Teacher's tragic flaw of pride. File directed by Sanjay Leela Bhanushali.
• Kaabil (2017):- The revenge drama centers on blind man Rohan who seeks justice for his wife's death.
• Haider (2014):- The protagonist Haider seeks revenge for his father's disappearance and faces a tragic downfall. It was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.