Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Aristotle and Freud and the Theory of Tragedy. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper discusses the definitions proposed by Aristotle and Freud with regard to tragedy, and argues that the Oedipus complex does not work well of the play the bears its name.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KV32_HVarsfrd.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
the rules for what tragedy is. In modern times, Sigmund Freud did the same. This paper discusses each theory of tragedy, how they differ, and whether Freuds theory of the
Oedipus complex is the key to the plays that bear his name. Discussion Aristotles theory of tragedy is found in his Poetics. He defines tragedy as the "imitation of an
action that is serious and also as having magnitude, complete in itself" ("Greek Theory of Tragedy: Aristotles Poetics"). Tragedy should arouse fear and pity in the audience; it should deal
with persons of some importance (kings and princes for instance; he would not accept Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman as a tragic figure, although that plays is often
referred to as a tragedy); and the action in the play should be "single and complete, presenting a reversal of fortune" ("Greek Theory of Tragedy: Aristotles Poetics"). The pity
and fear that the audience feels should also be swept away at the end of the play, rather than being left unresolved; the Greek word is "catharsis" ("Greek Theory of
Tragedy: Aristotles Poetics"). Aristotle argues that the basic difference between tragedy and other genres is "the tragic pleasure of pity and fear the audience feel watching a tragedy" ("Greek Theory
of Tragedy: Aristotles Poetics"). The audience has to feel something significant for the main character, and in order for this to occur, that character cannot be all good or all
evil; he must be believable and such single-dimensional people simply do not exist ("Greek Theory of Tragedy: Aristotles Poetics"). In addition, the tragic hero has to be brought down
by a flaw in his own character; he makes some sort of mistake or takes unwarranted action, driven by the character flaw ("Greek Theory of Tragedy: Aristotles Poetics"). The flaw
...