Bridge Course: Aristotle Poetics :

 Question : Referring to the literary text you studied during your B.A program, write a brief note on the texts that followed the Aristotle literay tradition.

Answer:

• Introduction:

                 As per my observation this play follow the Aristotle literay tradition because his idea on tragedy. King Lear is tragedy written by William Shakespeare. King Lear, in preparation of his old age and it is mythological play. He has three daughters and he divided his power and land between his daughters. 

 Here i am going to compare the text with Aristotle literay tradition.

• Catharsis :

          King Lear effectively evokes a strong emotional response from the audience, leading to sense of Catharsis. The intense suffering of Lear and the tragic downfall of his kingdom allow the audience to experience a profound emotional release.  Such as pity and fear as they witness Lear's downfall and the chaos in his kingdom. 

• Mimesis : 

             The play present a compelling imitation of human suffering and folly. Aristotle's concept of mimesis refers to art's imitation of life. In King Lear, Shakespeare presented realistic portrayal of human nature, especially the themes of power, betrayal and madness. Somehow this play follow the literay tradition or sometime Shakespeare not follow the literay tradition. 

• Unity of Action : 

             Aristotle emphasized that a tragedy should have a unified plot with a clear focus. King Lear maintain unity of action. This play primarily focuses on Lear's downfall and the resulting turmoil. Shakespeare connected with the action and follow the literay tradition. 

• Unity of Place :

               Aristotle's unity of Place implies that the action should take place in single location. This play moves through various location, including kingdom, Gloucester's castle and the heath. While this deviation from Aristotle unity of Place is evident, these changes are not arbitrary. Exploration of themes like madness and disorder. So here Shakespeare not follow the literay tradition.

• Unity of Time : 

              Aristotle suggested that a tragedy should occur within a single day or brief period. King Lear doesn't strictly follow this unity. The extended time frame contributes to the dramatic tension and development of character. Here also Shakespeare not follow the Aristotle's literay tradition. 

• Tragic Hero : 

                Aristotle's concept of the tragic hero involves the noble character with tragic flaw ( hamadtia) leading the downfall. Shakespeare also considered this point in this play. His misjudgement and pride lesd to his eventual downfall. 

▪︎ Recognition and Reversal : 

                Aristotle also discussed the concept of recognition and reversal of fortune. The play also features significant reversal of fortune. Particularly as King Lear goes from being a king to being a destitute or mad. King Lear recognition occurs when he realized his daughters true nature and his own feelings, when he confronts the storm and understand his vulnerability. 

Conclusuon : 

                   Overall, while Shakespeare follow with many of Aristotle's principles of tragedy, it does not follow al his unifies rigidly. Shakespeare's ay both follow and expands upon Aristotle's idea, illustrating the evolution of tragic drama beyond  classical constraints. 

THANK YOU.