Aristotle's Tragedy:
Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ centers around the dramatic theory, his clear concept of tragedy; that is the base of Greek tragedy. According to him, tragedy is the simulation of serious and high valued actions of reality that ends within its completeness. He also continues that tragedy is a form of drama that exhilarates the feelings of pity and fear. It deals with single and complete action; it represents the turnaround of fate; it involves persons with famous and their superior achievements. It would be derived in poetry form decorated with every kind of creative expression. ‘Oedipus the King’ is an example of Aristotle’s theory of tragedy.
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| Aristotle Free picture downloaded from Couleur, pixabay.com |
Six Elements in Aristotle's Tragedy:
There are six elements in Aristotle’s tragedy and those are- plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle (scenic effect), song (music). Plot and character are primary things of the tragedy. Plot means the proper arrangement of incidents. Characters mean the persons who are playing the role and it includes men and women both, hero and heroine, etc. Hero and heroine play the leading role. Diction means the language or words through which the characters are communicating and exposing their thoughts, views, and ideas. Thoughts mean the thinking and feelings of the characters according to the development of the plots. The spectacle mainly represents the good decoration of the stage where the theatrical effects are presented in front of the audiences. The audiences can enjoy the scenic effects which are related to real life, such as horror, despondency, physical torture, weeping, etc. The stage also helps to perform dances, the role of main characters with their colorful dresses, the beggarly appearance of the minor characters. The role of fools and funny characters also add flavor to the total performance. The songs fulfill the ornamentation to the situations, backgrounds, and environments.
Shakespearean Tragedy:
Shakespeare was also influenced by Greek tragedies. The reflection of Greek tragedies was overpowered in Shakespearean tragedies. There are some similarities between Aristotle and Shakespearean tragedies. In Shakespearean tragedies also the famous and prosperous hero faces the reversal of fate because of tragic flaws. Some of the famous tragedies are Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet, Othello, etc.
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Characteristics of Shakespearean Tragedy:
1.The conflict between good and evil, inner conflict, conflict of characters. In ‘Macbeth’ and Hamlet we find the conflicts which are not only external but take place inner and individual.
2.The tragic hero and tragic flaw. In ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth is the hero and his tragic flaw was his emotion and ambition.
3.Role of destiny. Destiny leads into the character. Macbeth’s high ambition and greed for power inspired him to kill Duncan.
4.Catharsis. It helps the audience to release their emotions through tragedy.
5.The Melodramatic elements. Shakespeare used the elements of melodrama such as tension, conspiracy, suspense, complex subplots, etc.
6.The role of chance and supernatural elements. In ‘Macbeth’ the role of witches play a vital role and their prophecies lead the future of Macbeth.
The Differences between two Tragedies:
1. The basic difference is plot making. In Aristotle’s tragedies, centers around the single central plot but Shakespearean tragedies deal with several subplots.
2. Shakespearean tragedies do not maintain the unity of plots.
3. The plots of Shakespearean tragedies are more realistic.
4. In Aristotle’s tragedies, the hero falls in death or experiences the reversal of fate but in Shakespearean tragedies, the Hero sublimes to the tragic death.
5. In Aristotle’s tragedies, the chorus related to scenes takes place offstage and gives relief to the audiences but in Shakespearean tragedies, the chorus appears through comic scenes. For example- the porter’s scene in Macbeth.
6. In Aristotle’s tragedies, the protagonist gains self-knowledge, comes to the realization, feels the flaws but in Shakespearean tragedies, the protagonists always do not behold realization.
7. In Shakespearean tragedies chances, accidents and destiny working as evil spirits differentiate from Greek tragedies.
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