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:
▪︎ 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:
     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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