Aristotle's Tragedy & Dryden's definition of Play
Introduction:
Aristotle's definition of tragedy and John Dryden's definition of play both offer important insights into dramatic literature. Let's discuss in it detail;
Aristotle's definition of tragedy:
Aristotle's "poetics " especially addresses tragedy as a dramatic form. He defines tragedy as the imitation of an action that is serious , complete and evoke feelings of pity and fear.
■ Key elements:
■ Key elements:
▪︎ plot:
The most important element of tragedy it must be well-structured with a clear beginning, middle and end. It include a reversal of peripeteia and anagnorisis .
▪︎ character:
Protagonist should be noble or virtuous but flawed,leading to their downfall.
▪︎ Theme:
It focuses on serious themes such as fare, moral dilemmas and human condition.
▪︎ unity of action:
Aristotle emphasizes the unity of action which means that all parts of the play should contribute to a single, coherent plot.
■ Dryden's definition of play:
In Dryden's "An Essay of Dramatic poesy", Dryden provides an encompasses both tragedy and comedy considering it a form of art that imitates human actions and experiences.
■ Key elements:
▪︎ Imitation of nature:
Dryden emphasizes that a play should reflect real human emotions and experiences.
▪︎ Moral purpose:
He argues that plays should have a moral dimension, aiming to instruct and provoke through in the audience.
▪︎ Characterization:
Dryden values well-developed, relatable characters, regardless of whether they appear in tragedy or comedy.
■ Differences between them:
▪︎ Scope:
Aristotle focuses specifically on tragedy while Dryden's definition encompasses all types of plays,including both tragedy and comedy.
▪︎ Emphasis on morality:
Dryden places a stronger emphasis on the moral purpose of plays, While Aristotle's focus is primarily on the emotional effects of tragedy.
▪︎ Flexibility vs Rigidity:
▪︎ Flexibility vs Rigidity:
Dryden allows for more creative freedom in terms of structure and content whereas Aristotle adheres to more rigid classical conventions.
▪︎ Characterization:
Aristotle's tragic heroes are typically noble and flawed while Dryden values the relatibility of characters across genres emphasizing their emotional depth rather than their social status.
■ Conclusion:
To conclude, While both Aristotle and Dryden provide foundational insights into dramatic their definitions reflect their distinct historical contexts, priorities and aesthetic philosophies.
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