Aristotle's Poetics provides a detailed discussion of the ideal
tragic hero, which he believes is essential to the success of any tragedy.
According to Aristotle, the tragic hero is a character who is of high status,
experiences a downfall due to a tragic flaw or error in judgment, and evokes
emotions of pity and fear in the audience.
Aristotle's view of an ideal tragic hero is based on his belief
that the purpose of tragedy is to arouse emotions of pity and fear in the
audience, leading to a catharsis or purging of these emotions. In order to
achieve this effect, the tragic hero must be a character who is relatable and
sympathetic to the audience, and whose downfall is seen as both inevitable and
avoidable.
Firstly, Aristotle believes that the tragic hero must be a
character of high status, such as a king or nobleman. This is because the
tragic hero's downfall must be significant and impactful, and their fate must
be seen as reflecting the fate of the community or society they represent.
Secondly, Aristotle argues that the tragic hero must have a tragic
flaw, or hamartia, which is a characteristic that leads to their downfall. This
tragic flaw may be a character trait, such as pride or ambition, or it may be
an error in judgment or a mistake that the character makes. The tragic flaw
must be seen as both avoidable and inevitable, meaning that the character could
have avoided their fate if they had acted differently, but their downfall is
also seen as an inevitable consequence of their tragic flaw.
Thirdly, Aristotle believes that the tragic hero must evoke
emotions of pity and fear in the audience. The audience must feel sorry for the
tragic hero's situation and the suffering they endure, while also fearing for
their own fate and the consequences of their actions. The tragic hero's
downfall must be seen as a warning to the audience, showing them the potential
consequences of similar flaws or errors in judgment.
Finally, Aristotle argues that the tragic hero must experience a
reversal of fortune, or peripeteia, and a recognition of their tragic flaw, or
anagnorisis. This reversal of fortune is the moment when the tragic hero's fate
changes, often due to a critical mistake or decision. The recognition of their
tragic flaw is the moment when the tragic hero realizes their mistake and the
consequences of their actions.
In summary, Aristotle's view of an ideal tragic hero is a
character of high status who experiences a downfall due to a tragic flaw or
error in judgment, evoking emotions of pity and fear in the audience. The
tragic hero must be relatable and sympathetic to the audience, and their
downfall must be seen as both avoidable and inevitable. The tragic hero's fate
must reflect the fate of the community or society they represent, and their
downfall must serve as a warning to the audience. Finally, the tragic hero must
experience a reversal of fortune and a recognition of their tragic flaw,
leading to a cathartic effect in the audience.
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