Page 36 - DENG501_LITERARY_CRITICISM_AND_THEORIES

Literary Criticism and Theories

Notes (iii) in the form of action, not narrative;
(iv) through pity and fear effecting the purgation of these emotions;
(v) having different parts, some using the medium of verse alone, others with the aid of
song.
• Every tragedy has Six parts: Plot; Character; Diction; Thought; Spectacle; Song.
• Tragedy is the imitation of an action and of life. Character determines men's qualities, but it
is by their actions that they are happy or the reverse. Therefore, dramatic action is not with
a view to the representation of character (which is subsidiary to the action). The incidents
and plot are the end of a tragedy...and the end is the chief thing of all.
• Without action there cannot be tragedy; there may be tragedy without character. (speeches
expressive of character, however well finished in Diction and Thought, do not produce the
essential tragic effect so well as a plot which has artistically constructed incidents). The end
of tragedy is pleasure, understanding of the universal and the purgation of emotions.
• Elements of emotional interest in tragedy are: Anagnorisis (Recognition) and Peripeteia
(Reversal). It is best if they coincide. Therefore, in order of importance the elements of a
tragedy are;
(i) Plot, (ii) character, (iii) Thought, (iv) Diction,
(v) Song, (iv) Spectacle.
• Plot
(i) It must be a whole, with a beginning after which the middle and end follow naturally
on each other.
(ii) It must be of a certain magnitude, neither too large nor too small.
(iii) It must have unity, but unity of plot is not just unity of hero. The unity of the plot
consists in the structural union of the parts which are so arranged that, if one part is
removed or displaced, the whole will be spoilt. ( If the part removed does not make any
difference, it is not an organic part of the whole. )
(iv) Poetry is more philosophical than history, which relates what has actually happened,
while poetry expresses what may happen. Poetry is more universal, History more
particular.
(v) Plot must be imitation of action inspiring fear or pity; this effect is produced best when
it is surprising. It is heightened when they follow as cause and effect.
(vi) Complex plots will contain Reversal and Recognition. It is best when these coincide ( as
in Oedipus Tyrannus.
(vii) Another element in tragedy is the scene of suffering.
(viii) The best tragedy should concern a man renowned and prosperous, who is not eminently
good and just, but one whose misfortune is brought about not by vice, but by some
frailty or error (Hamartia).
(ix) Fear and pity may be aroused by some spectacular means, but it is better if they result
from the inner structure of the play.
(x) Actions must be those of people who are not naturally enemies; (if an enemy kills an
enemy, no pity is excited except in so far as the suffering is pitiful in itself. ) The best
type of plot is when e.g. a brother kills a brother (or intends to), a son his father, etc.
It is not tragic if a bad man comes to a bad end (no pity).
It is not tragic if a bad man becomes good by Reversal. (more like Comedy)

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