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.