Analysis of Tragedy Through Aristotelian Theory

Lucas Dillard

HWL

Heather Benton

3/29/2017

Analysis of Tragedy Through Aristotelian Theory

Aristotle provided guidelines for analyzing tragedy, known as Aristotelian Theory, requiring certain elements to be present, including, peripeteia, anagnorisis, and a scene of suffering. These elements allow the audience to experience catharsis, or a purgation of emotions, specifically pity and fear that leads to an emotional rejuvenation. One of the most tragic stories in Greek mythology is that of Oedipus, who brought pain and suffering to his city and family through his incorrigible, yet accidental acts of killing his father and marrying his mother. By analyzing Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex through Aristotelian Theory, one uncovers clear evidence of catharsis brought about through peripeteia, anagnorisis, and the scene of suffering.

The peripeteia, or a reversal of fortune, in Oedipus Rex evokes feelings of pity in the audience, and exhibits catharsis. Oedipus’s fall from greatness occurs when a messenger from Corinth informs Oedipus that Polybus, who Oedipus believed was his father, is dead. The messenger then, in an effort to comfort Oedipus, tells him that Polybus was not his real father, and he was brought to the king after being found by a shepherd on the side of a mountain. After this news is heard, Oedipus’s fortune inevitably turns to pain and suffering. This causes the audience to feel great pity for Oedipus because his fate is already sealed, and he has no ability to change the outcome. The spectators would imagine finding out that they had committed such appalling acts, while also knowing they would not have been able to change the outcome regardless of how much they tried. Propitiously, the audience does not have to worry about perpetrating terrible crimes, and and can therefore feel better about their own current situation, allowing for an emotional rejuvenation.

The anagnorisis, or recognition of truth in Oedipus Rex evokes feelings of pity in the audience, and exhibits catharsis. Oedipus realizes that he is the one who murdered Laius, after the messenger from Corinth tells him that Polybus is not his real father. The anagnorisis generates a great amount pity for Oedipus because the anagnorisis and peripeteia occur simultaneously, compounding the effects of the anagnorisis. This