What is tragedy? The answer to this question is more difficult than just simply answering in one word. After reading Aristotle’s Poetics, the definition of tragedy has become more complex than I ever learnt. Aristotle’s analysis of tragedy as a literary genre has given new dynamics to the definition of tragedy that I have known so far. In a sense, I used to see tragedy only part of the story, but now it is the tragedy that generates the story and other elements. Aristotle defines that tragedy has six elements, which are: plot, characters, thought, verbal expression, song-composition, and visual adornment.
Aristotle ranks plot as “the heart and soul” of tragedy out of all the elements. However, I think characters should be the one that carries more significance towards the meaning of tragedy. If a character is not portrayed well enough or does not have a strong role in the play, the magnitude of tragedy may fail. In Medea, we saw how strongly the character of Medea has been portrayed and the plot formulated based on the character’s motive. Also, the verbal expression, emotional appeal and visual adornment were related to Medea’s ultimate goal of revenge. Despite the norm of having protagonist and antagonist as the main characters and the focus of the tragedy, each and every character can contribute the elements of tragedy. As we have seen in Fires in the Mirror, all the characters contributed important themes and elements to the inter-racial conflict and the tragedy was portrayed explicitly. One question that remains unanswered, why does tragedy take place? Is it always the characters who cause it?
2 comments:
I agree that element of character is also important in portraying tragedy after plot. A plot is more to how the story is progressing throughout the end but characters play a major role in describing emotions and feelings of a story.
I love the fact that you really added more dept and questions to what tragedy is. Its significance is great.
I would agree that characters are important but I would still hold that plot is the MOST crucial element of tragedies. Plot is the heart and soul of a story. Ultimately, you can still have in fact, an interesting tragedy and story not centered around characters. There could still be a story of tragedy without any specific focus characters. Rather, a story of tragedy can be about a place, or a thing.
You need a plot.
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