Tragedy Lessons from Aristotle: Crash Course Theater #3

Summary

In this Crash Course episode on Greek tragedy, host Mike Rugnetta explores Aristotle's theories from 'The Poetics' and applies them to Aeschylus' 'Oresteia' trilogy. Aristotle's analysis focuses on key elements like plot, character, and catharsis, where emotions are purged through pity and fear. The episode delves into the tragic nature of the 'Oresteia'—a tale of revenge, murder, and divine intervention—while also highlighting the invention of the jury trial in ancient Athens. The discussion bridges ancient drama with its lasting influence on modern storytelling and civic responsibility.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Aristotle's 'Poetics' defines tragedy as the imitation of a serious, complete action that evokes pity and fear, leading to catharsis.
• 🏛️ Greek tragedies often involve legendary heroes or royal families, dealing with major themes like murder, vengeance, and betrayal.
• 📜 Aristotle believed that plot is more important than characters in a tragedy, emphasizing that the action drives the story.
• ⚖️ The 'Oresteia' is the only surviving Greek tragic trilogy, focusing on themes of family bloodshed, revenge, and the eventual establishment of the jury system.
• 🔄 Key elements of a tragic plot, according to Aristotle, include reversal (peripeteia), recognition (anagnorisis), and a scene of suffering.
• 🤔 Aristotle's idea of catharsis involves purging or clarifying emotions, which has sparked debates on whether it’s emotional or intellectual.
• 💥 The character's downfall in a tragedy is often due to hamartia, a frailty or error, rather than inherent evil.
• 🧪 Aristotle proposed six parts of tragedy: Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, and Song, with plot being the most crucial.
• 🔔 The 'Oresteia' trilogy shows that only divine intervention (and the introduction of the jury trial) can stop the cycle of blood vengeance.
• 🗳️ The plays were used to remind Greek audiences of the importance of democratic institutions like the jury system, linking the themes to civic duty.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this episode of Crash Course Theater?

The episode focuses on Greek tragedy, particularly Aristotle's theories on the art form, and applies these theories to Aeschylus' trilogy 'The Oresteia.'

Who was Aristotle, and what was his role in literary criticism?

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher born in 384 BCE. He studied under Plato and later became a tutor to Alexander the Great. He wrote 'The Poetics,' which is considered the first substantial work of literary criticism, focusing on tragedy.

What does Aristotle mean by 'tragedy' in his definition?

Aristotle defines tragedy as an imitation of a serious and complete action of certain magnitude, using language that includes artistic elements like poetry and song. The action is shown, not told, and it evokes pity and fear, resulting in catharsis, or emotional purgation.

What is catharsis, and how has it been interpreted?

Catharsis refers to the purgation of emotions, specifically pity and fear. Some scholars believe it helps the audience release unhelpful emotions, making them better citizens, while others argue that catharsis affects the characters on stage, leading to intellectual clarification.

According to Aristotle, what are the six parts of a tragedy?

The six parts of a tragedy, in order of importance, are Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, and Song. Aristotle believed the plot was the most crucial element, even more important than character.

What does Aristotle mean by 'hamartia' in tragedy?

Hamartia refers to a tragic character’s error or frailty, often translated as 'missing the mark.' It is not an inherent flaw but a mistake or misjudgment that leads to their downfall.

What are the three main elements of a tragic plot according to Aristotle?

The three main elements are reversal (peripeteia), recognition (anagnorisis), and a scene of suffering. Reversal is when events take an unexpected turn for the worse, recognition is the moment a character realizes something crucial, and suffering involves exile, suicide, or psychological trauma.

How does Aeschylus' 'Oresteia' trilogy fit into Aristotle’s definition of tragedy?

The 'Oresteia' incorporates several Aristotelian elements such as noble characters facing serious consequences due to their actions (hamartia), reversal, and recognition. The trilogy also involves intense suffering and addresses themes of vengeance and justice.

What role does divine intervention play in the 'Oresteia'?

In the third play, divine intervention, through Athena, helps break the cycle of bloodguilt and vengeance. This also introduces the concept of a jury trial, symbolizing the importance of democratic institutions in Greek society.

How does Aristotle view spectacle in tragedy, and why?

Aristotle considers spectacle (visual elements) less important than other aspects of tragedy like plot and character. He believes excessive spectacle can cheapen the experience and distract from the emotional and intellectual impact of the play.