Aristotle, On Tragic Character

1. Aristotle, On Tragic Character AP English IV Review text in the Bedford, 1506-1508

2. A literary tragedy presents courageous individuals who confront powerful forces within or outside themselves with a dignity that reveals the breadth and depth of the human spirit in the face of failure, defeat, and even death (Bedford, 1423). What is tragedy?

3. The characters should be good—they will reveal their morals in speech and action. • It is possible to portray goodness in people of all classes (women, slaves…though Aristotle does state that they are an inferior class). • The character should be appropriate—no female character should behave manly. • Characters should be life-like, which is something different than making them good or appropriate. • Characters must be consistent—even if inconsistency is their consistency. • Character is regarded as extraordinary rather than typical; a great man or woman brought from happiness to agony. Properties of Character

4. Other terms to know. . . . • The reversal of fortune will be brought about by a peripeteia or an unexpected turn of events and should include an anagnorisis or recognition. • Anagnorisis: the discovery or recognition that leads to the reversal • Peripeteia: reversal; protagonist’s fortune turn in an unexpected way. In tragedy, it is the “fall.” • Aristotle felt the peripeteia and the anagnorisis should occur together • Hubris: overweening pride or ambition • Pathos: “suffering” • Deinos: wonderous, terrible • Dramatic irony: the meaning of a character’s words is understood by the audience but not by the character

5. In the characters and in the plot-construction alike, one must strive for that which is either necessary or probable, so that whatever a character of any kind says or does may be the sort of thing such a character will inevitably say or do and the events of the plot may follow one after another either inevitably or with probability…..(Obviously, then, the denouement of the plot should arise from the plot itself and not be brought “from the machine” {deus ex machina}). In his own words….

6. Chorus Serves as the origins of tragedy Probably consisted of 12-15 members dressed in padded costumes and elevated shoes to provide a “larger than life” sense of character. Sets the mood; accompanied by a flute, poetic songs Adds beauty Provides background information; represents common people, the elders, townspeople Sometimes sides with one character or another (**may give advice) Presents central themes, folk truths, common sense Reflects on events and actions Does NOT reflect the ideas of the playwright As explained by Aristotle, the chorus is a dramatic element, an actor among other actors. The Chorus shows the communal background of the action. Greek tragedy assumes that no life is private

7. The Three Great Tragedians Aeschylus (7/90) Sophocles (7/123) Euripides (18/90) ***there were many great tragedians, but few works have survived. Only 32 are extant (existing) out of the thousands written in 5th century B.C.E