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“Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.”
Apply the elements in the above criteria for tragedy set out by Aristotle in his work Poetics. With specific reference to Oedipus the King, explain how the play meets these specific standards set by the philosopher. Please do not do extra research to answer this question. You are only being asked to address this particular quote.
Please be sure to include your section number at the end of your response, and address comments to others by name.
80 thoughts on “Week 7 Discussion”
The quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” stated by Aristotle relates to “Oedipus the King” because Oedipus was a man who was overflowed with pride but unfortunately was in a tragedy which couldn’t be avoided no matter what he did to prevent this incident from happening which was Tiresias the oracle telling Oedipus that he will murder his own father who was Laius, the former king of Thebes and that he would marry his own mother and have children with her as well. Oedipus did not believe him at all and disregarded his advice. Tiresias was telling the truth and this became reality. Oedipus was doomed and when he found out at the very end of this play, he exited Thebes and wanted to forget about this horrific tragedy.
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Hi Gagandeep,
I agree that initially Oedipus seemed a sturdy and confident ruler, what one might even call prideful. It was truly an interesting progression to watch him go from this steadfast monarch to the man he became, quite literally blind and pitied by all. The theme of fate and man’s inability to combat it seems very in line with tragedies, particularly from this period in history. What do you think about the idea of his physical blindness by the end of the play having to do with the metaphorical blinding quality of pride?
Justine, let’s keep the conversation focused on the definition given in this week’s post.
Gagandeep while I agree with you the Oedipus was very prideful I also thing that fear it what ultimately drove him to fulfilling the prophecy it was his fear that led him to that road to get as far away from his home and parents. and in my opinion it was also fear that could have been a factor in his reaction to Tiresias he could have been acting out in anger because of fear here he had thought he had defeated fate and she come to reveal the truth which in the end was too much for him to bare.
Section 0503: Hello Gagandeep, After reading what you have had to say about the relevance of the quote to Oedipus the King I would have to agree that through the writing / reading that the king was overflowed with pride as you said which i think could or is one the reasons that tragedy struck. Through his actions the story was able to progress and his character was as well , as well as his emotions coming over him in certain parts. With all of these attributions it makes for a true tragedy.
In “Oedipus The King,” the story certainly falls in line with Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. The story centers around an action of high importance, which in this case is Oedipus attempting to discover the truth of his lineage and going to great lengths to gain clarity on the matter. The emotions mentioned, pity and fear, certainly play a part in the way the narrative unfolds. Oedipus spends much of the story in a state of anxiety as the pieces come together, and he grows nearer to understanding the truth of his familial history. As for pity, the reader as well as many of the characters come to pity Oedipus by the end, as he discovers that he is cursed and has been unable to escape his fate, despite his best efforts to do so. The presentation of the piece and the writing within it are certainly beautiful, with lines that seem very poetic and that I personally reread several times just to take in the writing. With this in mind, the story does indeed meet all of Aristotle’s requirements.
Section 0503
Hello Justine,
I agree with your interpretation of “Oedipus the King” and how it related to Aristotle’s reasonings of tragedy. Oedipus had a lot of pride and that took over him throughout the play. He did want to know more about his origin and did whatever it took to clarify the truth and to know if Tiresias the oracle was telling him the truth or not. Even though Oedipus wanted to prevent this from occurring, it was impossible no matter what steps he took. He was cursed and would be unable to come out of this tragedy as it was following him throughout the play.
Justine, thank you for addressing elements of Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. You have moved through the various parts of the definition. I wonder if others might post some examples of language of particular beauty.
Hi Justine, I think we both realized that anxiety and fear, or extreme emotions are focused on heavily in these greek tragedies. This is probably because of the fact that most of these stories were act out in front of a large audience, which dictates that a ton of emotional turmoil was needed for empathy and entertainment, which limits the story somewhat. Aristotle was a wise man, and his understanding of both philosophy and the theatre is something to admire.
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Justine, I agree with your explanation as to why “Oedipus the King ” relates to Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. Oedipus’ attempts to discover his lineage are on a very personal level. His abandonment enables his obsession over the matter. Once Oedipus comes to terms with his fate, his actions are almost justified based on the plays high importance and where it all began; his abandonment. As we come to realize his abandonment was the root of all his wrong doing, we feel pity and fear for him. What he did was for a sense of hatred and wanting to be loved. Oedipus almost blames his father for the abandonment, thus killing him, and longing to be loved, hence marrying his mother. Many aspects can consider this play poetic. This tragedy allows us to feel Oedipus’ feelings and justify his actions. His actions are wrong, but we can see why he did what he did. Oedipus came to handle his situation in an illicit way.
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Aristotle’s interpretation of tragedy does aline with “Oedipus the King” as Oedipus reveals the actions of high importance as he is the ruler of Thebes. With so much pride as Oedipus attempts to find out who murdered the previous king, he gets more information about the truth. It shows the enhanced distinction of a dynamic character when the tragedy is inevitable. Oedipus’s pride slowly fades as he comes in denial that he was the murderer of the previous king. He then reveals characteristics that Artistotle spoke about, pity and fear. Pity is more so for the reader as we watch how this tragedy unfolds on a character and the fear is in Oedipus denying any evidence against him as it may ruin his image as a ruler. Seeing from Artistolte’s perspective this piece meets the specific standards due to the idea that fate is set and can’t be changed. It is predetermined no matter what you may do differently it is going to return to the only possible outcome. As much as Oedipus tries to defy this law, he is unable to evade his curse as it slowly destroys his status among Thebes. It fits to define what a tragedy is and the message readers should obtain from it.
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Brandon, you have addressed two important elements of Aristotle’s definition, these being importance and the purgation of emotions. What about the other criteria cited in the philosopher’s definition?
Hi Brandon, I agree with your opinion and it’s also important to say that the Aristotle almost sets that those feelings of pride are the ones that unfold the whole story, not only the chaos and the tragedy of the entire kingdom, but also the revelation od Oedipus at the end that realizes and later admits that due to all his mistakes the Gods hate him and that he should die far and alone.
Juliana, can you be a little more specific? You write that Aristotle “almost sets that those feelings of pride are the ones that unfold the whole story . . . .?” What in Aristotle’s definition of tragedy leads you to this belief?
Hey Brandon, I think your post was pretty insightful for me. I didn’t fully understand what Aristotle meant when he said “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance. . .”. The fact that he was a king and so many people idolized him and looked to him for guidance does highlight the importance of his role. Thinking deeper, I wondered what Aristotle meant by “imitation of an action. . . “. I still don’t quite understand what he means by imitation. Any ideas? Furthermore, I found it interesting that Aristotle used the phrase purgation. The fact that he thinks emotions need to be cleansed out of our system shows us his strong belief that tragic stories are therapeutic in a sense because they help us experience raw human emotions. Also you mention how Aristotle makes us pity his characters in order to experience these emotions. I wonder why it is that he makes us pity them. Oedipus is a high and noble ruler. By placing him in this situation, Aristotle makes Oedipus vulnerable. We can relate to his misery and dread. It’s ironic because in the beginning he is seen as a sort of godsend, sent by the gods to save the kingdom. By the end, we see that he is human just like the rest of us.
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Aristotle’s quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” relates to “Oedipus the king” because Oedipus was very prideful and self righteous these traits of his are shown when he could not accept what the oracle Tiresias had told him that he had killed the previous king he was Oedipus Apollos champion and slayer of the banshee how dare she accuse him of such a vile act. Fear is a defining factors of Oedipus tragedy it was because of fear that his parent left him for dead as an infant after they had heard the prophecy connected will him, it was also fear that led to Oedipus fulfillment of the prophecy that was his fate to kill his father and marry his mother because when he is fist told this from a prophet he flees from his home fearing that he will commit this grave crime not knowing that the parents that raise him are not the one who birth him and due to this fact his fear lead him to the same road where the previous king his biological father was traveling they got into a altercation which led to the kings death and Oedipus not knowing he killed his father thinks that he has done the impossible defeated fate. When Oedipus finds out the truth he is mortified he had done what was expected of him by the fates he had killed his father and married his own mother he blind’s himself as punishment for his sins so in the end one cannot help but feel pity for Oedipus because here was a man who was prideful and self righteous he had once thought of himself as so great that he had defeated his own fate only to realize he was living a lie and that fate was actually victorious he was once on top of the world and suddenly it is taboo to even mention his name he is now not the king who protected him people from harm but the son who killed his father and married his mother and as punishment for this act he had be blinded, he had been cast out and now lead a life of misfortune. 0503
Hi Ariadna, I found the focus on Fear as an element of storytelling in your response particularly compelling, as I can see how it was a main driving factor in the cause of Oedipus’s life, from birth to his eventual demise. This is critical to every Heroic tale in greek, I believe, as many of the works and myths that I had come across had similar themes, such as the myth of Meleager, who wouldn’t die if a piece of timber that represented his life didn’t burn out. The constant fear that the timber caused was what eventually led to his death
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Ariadna, thanks for posting. Fear is definitely a strong element in the play; however, the fear mentioned in Aristotle’s definition has to do with the fear experienced by the audience as they watch the tragedy unfold. For Aristotle, a great tragedy had to be powerful enough to evoke strong feelings of pity and fear in the viewer. This is known as catharsis. What other elements in Aristotle’s definition are seen in the play?
The action of high importance could be when his parent Abandoned him as a child of that had not happen it is possible the Prophecy would have been voided as he would not have been on the road with his father at the time he was killed and this could have been the act that was imitated because in Greece at the time Prophecies and fate where held in high regard and one would do anything to get rid of a bad omen even if that omen is your own child. The beauty would have been the singing, dancing, and use of language and effects used to captivate the audience. The fear is the fear the audience feels of did this really have happened? or what will happen to baby Oedipus out there all alone? And the pity of How could one fall so far? Or he was a just king who did not deserve what happens to him in the end? 0503
Ariadna, thank you for giving this more thought and adding to your comments.
The meaning of imitation means a paler, lesser reflection of a more real, important thing. Ancient Greece was rife with conflict between city states, and this particular tragedy about a king who had good intentions yet bad ending may have imitated a real story that happened then, with additional unrealistic elements added. The meaning of beautiful language may have simply meant emotions and thoughts that could be heard from every word. This is true for “Oedipus”, with its manifold descriptions of the main character’s thoughts and feelings that could be seen throughout the story. Fear is a driving factor in many of these heroic tragedies, with many kingly leaders that, in order to avoid a prophecy, becomes what causes it’s fulfillment. Even in Oedipus, this is true, as his father threw him away as a child to avoid the prediction of his son causing his demise.
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Kexin, I like your definition of “imitation.” And yes, the play is an imitation of life. But in Aristotle’s view, a great tragic play should be almost as powerful as the real experience, evoking in the audience feelings of pity and terror. The embellished language is just what it says—the elegant, poetic phrasing of the play, which we see most vividly in the odes sung by the Chorus. What about the other elements mentioned in Aristotle’s criteria for tragedy?
Kexin I didn’t really think about how the imitation of the play could of been on how Oedipus was as a king who had good intentions yet a bad ending you post really got me thinking that this play could be an imitation on many things like a parents Desperate attempt to avoid fate and how things like that were common or like you said just a king who had bad luck your post helped me to widen my view of the play
“Oedipus The King” suits Aristotle’s criteria of what a tragedy is because by Aristotle’s definition “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear affecting its purgation of these emotions.”Practically all of Oedipus’ actions were of high importance, he did complete them through actions not narrations by means of pity and fear that led to a cleansing of those emotions. His quest to find the truth was deemed as highly important, enabled by his fear of the unknown allowed him to be released of the emotions he was being driven by. Also theatre was not only about purgations of emotions for the actors or character, but also audiences. And while I would hope no one could fully relate to Oedipus and how he killed his father and had children with his mother. This is the kind of story a person could watch and let all their emotions out if they felt compelled enough because there’s themes of loss, guilt, shame, fear, sadness and more.
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Hey Samantha,
I agree with your respond, I very liked the part when you said Oedipus’ actions were consider of high importance because when you’re the king of Thebes , I feel like there’s a pressure not to make a mistake and I feel like everyone had their eyes on him and watching his every move. Especially, when it came to finding out the truth of who was the murderer. The play has of the emotions of pity, loss, guilt, fear and sadness and you could tell that when the characters are in a different and odd mood.
Samantha, these are great comments regarding the element of high importance and also catharsis. I wonder if you could address some of the other criteria cited in Aristotle’s definition.
Samantha,
I agree with your idea that all of Oedipus’ actions were of high importance because in this play it is shows what emotions King Oedipus goes through and how his behavior is change. King Oedipus’s emotions and behavior are changed when he was with different people. Also, I agree with when you mention that the play has a lot of emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, sadness, etc. King Oedipus will felt those emotions when he finds the murderer of his father’s death.
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Hey Samantha,
I agree with what you said, I feel like its always been like that even know a days with celebrities . When you have alot of fans or when you have such a high position status which was in his case you are really being watched and observed and judged on which is why Oedipus felt all sorts of emotions.
Section 0503,
The quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of amplitude;in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity, and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” describes the play Oedipus the King because throughout the play we see Oedipus goes through a series of emotions and behavior with different people. Oedipus is a man who has his pride set up very high, which play a part in his stubbornness and arrogance. The sense of pity comes in when Oedipus accidentally killed his father, Laius because imagine killing your father by accident and the guilt you feel everyday, that mentally takes a poll on a person. The part of “fear effecting its purgation of these emotions” is an important part to describe the play because Oedipus has a lot of insecurities, for example Oedipus starts to question Teiresias’ loyalty to him and the city of Thebes. That specific actions show his fear of people leaving him or the fear of having no one by his side to support him and guide him through the bad moments. Oedipus is considered as a big, confident, stable and strong men to people look up and confide in but also he’s a human who actually has other emotions beside pride and cockiness.
Lizanjela, you offer a very good discussion of the element of catharsis in the play, but what about the other criteria Aristotle mentions in his definition?
Lizanjela I appreciate your point about the pity that Oedipus feels when he kills his father. Such an act would create such overwhelming pity because one only has one father. We begin to see Oedipus as a tragic human figure instead of the regal king as the story goes on and he falls deeper and deeper into despair.
Giulia, be sure comments meet the length requirements.
This particular quote can be interpreted as Aristotle taking the example of Oedipus the king, who brought tragedy and death in his reign due to poor decisions where he killed, lied and cheat for his own benefit. In other ways it can also be taken as direct karma, that could’ve been prevented if it weren’t for Oedipu’s stubborn nature and narcissistic behavior where his entire community paid the price. As Aristotle mentions “means of pity and fear affecting its purgation of these emotions.”, at the end of the story Oedipus comes to his sense and finally realizes the damage he has made, after seeing his true nature. “I may die by their decree who sought indeed to kill me.”
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Section #0505
The quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity, and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” written by Aristotle relates to “Oedipus the King”. Throughout this play, Oedipus is a good leader in the city of Thebes but, he might be a person that cannot solve his own problem. All of Oedipus’s behavior and emotion are important. And Oedipus’s emotions and behavior are changing with different people. Oedipus uses not narrated action to the purgation of pity and fear emotion. And when Oedipus abandoned for dead by his own parents and he killed his father, the emotion of pity comes in. And his emotion of fear losing his level position of high status.
The tragedy of the story of oedipus as highlighted by the definition set by Aristotle is Oedipus’ great challenge to discover who he is and try to make sense of the great riddle that is his life. The action of high importance is Oedipus trying to discover first who killed Laius, then he realizes that he is the offspring of the king who was murdered and the queen who he ultimately goes to bed with after he murders his own father. He has committed the most shameful incestuous act by going to bed with his own mother after murdering his father. The pitiful act of incest with ones own mother is highlighted in the definition by Aristotle. Oedipus was once a king that was beloved and honored by all but now is the lowest thing in society. He is an outcast in his former kingdom and is now cursed and blind because of the disgusting sins he has committed.
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Section #0505
The above quote describes Oedipus with precision and clarity. The action of importance in this play, is the act of saving the city from the plague and unraveling the mystery of King Laius’s murder. The problem is very significant in the way that the city could not possibly recover until the problem is solved. We see the stakes of the journey increase as the play goes on ultimately leading to a brutal ending. The increase of complexity in the problem could be a demonstration of the amplitude that I supposed to be present in a tragedy. The writing of the play displays “distinct and varying beauties” by having a natural flow between lines. I believe this flow is seen in the way lines are written. Most lines are riddled with metaphors and imagery that paint the picture of what we should be seeing. A live reenactment of the play back when it was written must have been absolutely phenomenal in the way that each line was most likely delivered with a punch of emotion and passion. This is why the criteria of “Acted not narrated” is important, the delivery of the journey would not be as strong in writing as in action on stage.
In Oedipus the King, the action of high importance is Oedipus’ search for the murderer and his realization of the truth. Oedipus lives his life unknowing of the truth believing he is a righteous king, hoping to help his people by purging it of the murderer. The prophet is coming full circle as a result of his earlier choices and actions, as we get fragments of the truth, creating a sense of fear and anxiety. Oedipus the King is a play, meant to be acted out. The play explores emotions of pity and fear, both through Oedipus. By the end of the play, we pity Oedipus as he realizes the prophets were correct. I think the emotion of fear for the audience was realized in their fear that the prophet would be true, and the result would be a broken, tragic Oedipus.
Section: 0503
Hi Kenny,
I think you briefly hit most of the marks for this week’s discussion board, but you are missing some. First, you mentioned the action of high importance which you did pretty well, although I wish you explained it further along with how it was an imitation, and why it was complete and of some amplitude. You also mentioned pity and fear, which I believed was the part you explained best. You mentioned how it was a play that was meant to be acted out. You forgot to mention the requirement of “in language enhance by distinct and varying beauties”. I was greatly puzzled by this reading at first; however, watching the professor’s lecture video definitely helped me understand the reading better, as well as how to go about this week’s assignment. I hope you find it insightful as well!
-Gwyneth [ENG 0505]
Kenny, you have touched on the elements of high importance and catharsis, but what about the other criteria in Aristotle’s definition?
Oedipus fits in Aristotle’s criteria for a tragedy. Oedipus is a play that by nature is an imitation of life itself. As for the criteria that mentions “an action of high importance”, Oedipus is quite an important figure as he was a well-respected leader of a great city, and was born of royal blood. Although he did everything in his power to avoid his ill fate and to only do good things, the painful life he was destined to have still found a way to lead him to his ruin. He was cursed with tragedies of all sorts such as: finally learning that he killed his father and ended up sleeping with his mother. However, it wasn’t only him that suffered greatly, so did the people around him, the very people who rever him as their great king. Oedipus the King showed the requirement of “in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties”. The play was originally written in a rhyming scheme that was carried on through the English translation. Looking closely, one could notice the rhythm of the lines, and how it seems rather poetic. Because it is a play, the piece was indeed “acted, not narrated”. The actors donned masks and performed in amphitheaters, where all extra components such as music and dancing, enhanced their performance. Lastly, the proud king Oedipus has gone through great lengths just to avoid his cruel fate, only to find out that him trying to do so actually led him to his doom. All his life, he tried to flee from his ill fate because he did not want him nor his family to suffer; however, he realized that no matter what he did, he was unable to escape his tragic destiny. It was a pity to see him rise in all his glory and greatly fall, and both a pity and a horror to watch him as a human being, try his very best to avoid tragedy to befall him, only to watch him come to his ruin anyway because he could not change nor escape his fate.
[ENG 0505]
You definitely answered this week’s discussion. You explained the beauty, the pity, and the fear. Definitely hit the marks and you also went in deeper than other students including me. I agree with the part you said the rhythm is poetic. I thought about that myself.
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Gwyneth, I agree with your correlation of high importance and Oedipus’ ranking of himself. Though, Oedipus is not only of high importance in this play. Oedipus’s abandonment is the main high importance. This circumstance created a tragedy. Without this, what happened to Oedipus probably would never have occurred. Oedipus’ abandonment was the root of all his actions. This abandonment allowed us to feel his pain. We pitied him and felt his fear on what he had done. We may not agree on how he went about things, but we could understand how such a thing could lead to his actions. The play mentioning music and dance did enhance the play. It gave emotion to different scenes. Giving these emotions allowed us to feel for Oedipus. It enabled us to justify his actions yet understand how the way he went about it was wrong.
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Your observation of Oedipus’s abandonment being of high importance is something I overlooked. I would have to agree with your statement that if it had never happened we would not have a story. Him being left by his parents also made us more empathetic to him in a sense.
Thajmire, we do not know to who you are addressing this comment.
Gwyneth, I have to agree with Ava with the idea of how Oedipus main importance was his abandonment however when talking about what enhance the play I had saw it differently because although yes, the music and dance did play a part in enhancing the play I believe it was the audience itself that was giving the emotion to these scenes. Without how the expressions and reactions that we offer how can one feel what Oedipus is really feeling. furthermore I do have the question, without the extra components could we still enjoy/feel what Oedipus had experience?
The quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” connects to Aristotle meaning of tragedy. You can connect pity to the reader as we watch Oedipus unfold as he finds the truth. He then gets anxious and in denial, as the story goes on. He becomes a tragic hero, he is good but not perfect which in turn results in his own downfall. You can connect pity to the reader as we watch Oedipus unfold as he finds the truth. Oedipus had different fears such as escaping his fate and people leaving him. The quote also states ” in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties;”, If you think about it the plot is whole and the use of poetic meters brings out hr beauty of the main point. As much as Oepidus tried to be in denial to keep his status he self-destructed himself. In conclusion, Aristotle’s opinion of tragedy was clearly stated through his play.
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Patricia, your response addresses part of Aristotle’s quote but not all of it.
The reader most definitely gets a feeling of catharsis when reading the story. We almost put ourselves in the King’s shoes. Especially with the circular wholeness. Knowing that there is going to be a generational ripple effect makes you feel even worse. The poetic rhythm and chorus help to add more depth.
“Oedipus the King” touches on all the elements mentioned by Aristotle in his quote, “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” Oedipus not only talks about himself in high importance, but the situation around him. Without a question, we see pride and ignorance from Oedipus. Oedipus holds himself to such a high standard. His pride takes him into an obsession with finding the killer. His high importance makes him in denial of the fact that he has killed his father and gone off to marry his mother. Oedipus’ ignorance refuses him to face his fate. When Oedipus finally comes to the realization that the oracle is true, we feel pity for him. Oedipus went through great lengths to find a killer just to realize it was him. Not only did he kill his father, but he went off to marry his mother. Oedipus is overwhelmed with fear, shame, and embarrassment. What makes the language so beautiful in “Oedipus the King’ is that it enables us to feel all these emotions. We are able to feel his fear, his pain, and the shame he experiences throughout this tragedy.
Section 0505
Ava, you have a good discussion about the importance of the action in this play and the purgation of pity and fear, but what about the other criteria set forth by Aristotle?
As for high importance, Oedipus puts himself on a pedestal deeming himself as “high importance”. He puts the situations around him as high importance as well. Oedipus’ quest to find the killer becomes his number one priority. Oedipus’s abandonment could be considered the root of the situation being of such high importance. If he wasn’t abandoned, killing his father wouldn’t be as justified. The way he handled the situation shows how something of high importance to someone effects their motives and actions. Thus, high importance leads to such a tragedy. As we read “Oedipus the King”, the language used allows us to feel Oedipus’ feelings, thus beautiful. This enables us to experience Oedipus’ fear and his shame of his actions. This format presents us with reasoning as to why he has done numerous things. He was abandon as child, so we may feel pity for his actions; killing his father. Longing for that sense of love, he married his mother. We feel for Oedipus and his way of handling the situation and his hardships. This way of writing allows us to experience the characters emotions. As we read the play, we see Oedipus’ battle with himself and the oracle given to him.
Section 0505
Ava, your response does touch upon at least two elements in Aristotle’s definition, but what about the other considerations, such as amplitude and the use of embellished language?
Hello Ava,
It was very interesting reading your thought of this week’s discussion board, it was very thoughtful of how Oedipus’s ignorance and pride has leads to his downfall. Oedipus’s great leadership and determination to find the killer was a great personality trait for a king. As a reader, I felt pity that he has gone through so much and so far just to realize that there is no escape from his own fate. The beauty of “Oedipus the King” was definitely his compassion and authority of protecting the city of Thebes, which also is a heart-broken story of Oedipus’s tragedy life.
There are many instances in which “Oedipus the King” meets the standards set by Aristotle. When he says “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude;” I interpreted it as him saying that tragedies invoke a wide range of emotions, both good and bad. For example, in the beginning of the story we feel hope. We are hopeful that Oedipus will rid the kingdom of this plague. However, this emotion is quickly overpowered by feelings of hate and despair. We experience both the highs and lows which makes a tragedy feel so emotionally satisfying and ‘complete’ as Aristotle says. These feelings are usually brought forth by the use of strong language. Aristotle also says that these tragedies should be acted not narrated for full effect. This is true because after watching the reenactment in this week’s module, it was then that I understood the variety of emotions that are present throughout the play.
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Syed, I agree with your comments about how the tragedies develop a wide range of emotions, but this is almost intentional and the author wants the reader to have mixed emotions. The word choice of the writer causes for a more powerful interpretation. But I thought that the satisfaction could be viewed as a sign of corruption as well because Oedipus never really cared for the people. Getting his answers was his important.
Hi Syed,
It took a while for me to understand the use of language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties as a criteria for a tragedy. There was use of strong language along with a poetic form, especially by Oedipus. There is a sense of rhythm in his words throughout the play as if it is a characteristic of his nobility. We see this even until the end when Oedipus accepts the truth, banishing himself, there is still a sense of rhythm in his words.
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The quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions” embodied Oedipus The King. First, we must break apart the quote to see how it fits the king himself. “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance” throughout the text we see how everything that the king does is thought of as “high importance” because he holds himself on such a high stature in society that his needs come first. However, he does everything he possible can to avoid his fate but the true tragedy surfaces when he cannot run from it anymore. Then comes the “language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties”, which gets represented by the unusual changes of speech that creates in drama as oppose to a narrative. With the drama coming to an end we as the audience experience pity towards Oedipus The King because of what his fate held for him. Furthermore, we sense fear ourselves because while we do not share the pain of the king, we may see it as an individual reflected as we don’t wish it would happen to us. (ENG 201 0505) [11615]
Mosheur, you mention some of Aristotle’s criteria, but are there elements you haven’t addressed?
Hi Mosheur,
I agree with you I feel like tragedy fits Oedipus’s life because it starts with the fact his life was a lie lead by as you mentioned that no matter what he does he is unable to outrun his fate, which is he is meant to kill his father and marry his mother. I feel like fear also plays into this because he feared that the prophecy would come true and he did everything in his power to outrun it and in the end, he couldn’t. Some fates are bound to happen one no matter how one may try to change it. I feel like what did not help him was that he did not know who he thought to be his parents were not his biological parents, which is why he was unable to prevent it from happening. And as you mentioned I don’t think anyone would wish that upon another person.
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Shirly, the pity and fear cited by Aristotle relate to the audience response to the tragedy.
Aristotle’s quote, “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by mean of pit and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” relates to Oedipus because he continued to be a very prideful even when Tiresias claimed that he will kill the former king. Oedipus could not escape the fear he was feeling when his parents assumed he was dead when he was a baby and left him on his own. To then having to be told that he would have to kill his father and marry his mother, in fear of this prophecy he fled from his home. No matter how hard Oedipus tried to outrun the prophecy in fear of it coming true it still happened. He found out that his life was basically a lie and that even though he thought he did everything in his power to overcome this prophecy it blew up in his face and changed him and how he lived for the rest of his life. In Aristotle’s quote, it also talked about tragedy, “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude;” This also goes with Oedipus life because while reading it, it was a whole tragedy for him to find out that the people whom he thought were his parents were not, and to find out that everything he did so he doesn’t harm his family still came true and there was nothing he could have done because his whole life was a lie. Oedipus wanted Creon to kill him because he could not bear with the misery he has inflicted in other people’s lives; apart from finding out his true identity and the way he acted since then changed him forever as well.
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Shirly, you make some good observations, but have you addressed all elements in Aristotle’s definition?
This story does take on the criteria for tragedy set by Aristotle. The first element is a high importance event this is clearly shown by the mystery that Oedipus the King trying to find out the origin of his birth and thereafter figuring out the killer. The emotions mentioned, pity and fear, unquestionably present a role in the design the narrative unfolds. Oedipus contributes a significant part in the play in a state of stress as the parts develop collectively, also he begins nearer to understanding the truth of his familial account. Similarly for pity, the reader, as well as many of the characters, come to pity Oedipus by the end, as he discovers that he is cursed and has been unable to escape his fate, despite his best efforts to do so. The performance of the production and the work inside it are unquestionably brilliant, including words that appear quite poetic. The story does certainly satisfies all concerning Aristotle’s specifications.
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Yosef, you have touched on three elements in the philosopher’s criteria, but have you addressed the totality of his definition?
Hi Yosef, although I would agree with you regarding the mystery behind the former King Laius murderer and the prophecy as an element of high importance, the origin of Oedipus birth was never his objective until after the messenger from Corinths’ gave him news of his foster parents. I would have to disagree that Oedipus was only pitied by the end of the play, I would have to say pity and fear played a big role throughout the whole play write as the city was trying to be saved. However, yes Oedipus is the main protagonist of this play, but we also have to agree that town is also one as well, which is why I believe the sense of “pity” portrayed in this piece, is to be felt with all characters.
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Based on this quote Aristotle is letting it be known that his works are pieces of intense and emotional content. When he says “acted not narrated”, that tells the reader or readers, that they must embrace the role of the character in order to better understanding. The delivery of these Ancient Greek plays are unique because they tend to always have messages behind them that revel their circumstances and there is a correlation to today’s society. Specifically Aristotle because he was one to try to instill fear or try to take the realism out of things. Oedipus can be seen have shared qualities as him because he was not a controlling ruler but he was one to express his gratitude towards the people of Thebes. Hes edger to know who killed the King, his father, but at the same time serving the people
Jaden, you have addressed an element that has been overlooked in the discussion this week. However, beyond the element of the fact that the tragedy is “acted, not narrated,” have you responded to the other criteria in Aristotle’s definition?
“Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions” relates to “Oedipus the King” because it tells a story of high importance. Oedipus must find the last king’s killer and have them murdered or exiled which would stop the plaque that is destroying the city. The story comes full circle when Oedipus learns he killed his father and married his mother. This not only affects him but his daughters who will most likely never marry and his Brother in Law/Uncle who is now king. We can see that the story is acted and narrated with the help of the Chorus. The play is written with poetic rhythm. We have a sense of catharsis when Oedipus has his break down. We feel a sense of pity for this man that was trying to do good by his city. It is also easy to put yourself in this man’s shoes and realize that we do not control our destiny and for many, that’s very scary to think about.
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Thajmire, you have addressed the element of catharsis, but have you addressed the other criteria inAristotle’s definition?
I agree that “Oedipus the King” indeed fulfills Aristotle’s definition of a tragedy. From the start of the play write as the truth begins to unfold of the prophecy, Oedipus’ actions towards his peers can be perceived by his insecurities. The “imitation of an action of high importance” can be interpreted as Oedipus being arrogant in the beginning, wanting to find the truth and unveiling the fulfilled prophecy. I believe this was narrated in first-person, although it was written in a different format we are used to reading, we can sense the emotion of each character’s interaction and connection. Both Jocasta and Oedipus’ demeanor changes to “pity and fear” when they begin to exchange facts of the late King Laius’ death. The pity and fear Jocasta felt was not of the peoples’ judgment, but the harm Oedipus would do to himself, although she was both his mother and wife she could not bring herself to see him mentally and physically hurt himself as he had promised to do with the murderer once found.
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Stephanie, like many others in the group you have addressed the element of importance and catharsis, but have overlooked all the other criteria in Aristotle’s definition.
The quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” by Aristotle , connects to the Oedipus king tragedy, showing the actions of having high importance. For example, Oedipus was the ruler of Thebes he felt that he had to prove to everyone that he is in fact worthy so that alone makes him prideful. So when they were trying to find out who killed the previous King “Laius” which is his father, Oedipus noticed that the truth slowly started to unravel and we all know that it was him himself who killed him. That was the moment where he started to feel the “pity and fear”. Fear in losing the high position he was in and pity was the bit of remorse and guilt feeling everyday knowing you killed someone especially in his case which he killed is dad by accident not knowing that was his actual dad .
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Hi Valentina!
I believe you make a great point when discussing the “pity and fear” Oedipus experiences after losing his father. But if you recall, Oedipus initially tried to maintain composure and confidence once he came to realization of his father’s mortality. Oedipus is a complicated man who, just like many people even today, try to create an illusion that they are more level-headed and less emotionally affected than they might actually be during trying times. I actually think the real tragedy is Oedipus’ inability to accept the reality of certain situations in a more timely manner. Ironically, I believe if he were to be more accepting of his negative emotions, he would doubt himself less and be more fit to serve as a king.
Valentina, the pity and fear relates to the audience reaction. Effective tragedy, according to Aristotle, should evoke these feelings in the viewer of the play.
Aristotle’s interpretation of tragedy, without a doubt, relates to the tragedy exhibited throughout Oedipus the King. Oedipus’ inevitable tragedy is provoked by the arrogance and stubbornness that he believes is confidence and knowledge. When Aristotle described tragedy as “…an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties…,” he is referencing how tragedy is in some way correlated with being royal or part of a hierarchy. Aristotle then states, “…acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” This can specifically relate to Oedipus’ struggle with his arrogance/stubbornness and how it is then translated into a form of insecurity, which eventually has him doubting himself as the ruler of Thebes. Oedipus’ blindness to the reality of his positioning ultimately sets him up for failure as a king, and the lack of confidence he develops as king becomes the downfall of his legacy. Oedipus’ tragic downfall begins to affect the people of Thebes as well.
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“Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance,” can be displayed in Line 7, “I Oedipus whom all men call the Great,” an evidence where King Oedipus’s pride leads him to investigate King Laius’s death. Oedipus’s short-tempered nature and his arrogant-self was the main factor of his own tragedy. As philosopher describe tragedy as “complete and of some amplitude,” Oedipus’s emotional action that leads to King Laius’s death circle back to his own fate. Oedipus definitely has the potential characteristic to be a great king, his compassion and determination of protecting the city of Thebes are the “distinct and varying beauty” we see in the play. “Acted not narrated,” can be showcased in Oedipus the King as it is written in a play script, it was meant to be preform on the stage as the wording creates an image for the reader. The extreme changes in the end where Oedipus blinded himself with the lost of his mother/wife has evoke reader’s emotion in the sudden dynamics changes.
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The quote above “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” Relates a lot to the story “Oedipus the king “ because the story was about a male king who was very prideful but was dealing with a tragedy that couldn’t be ignored . Zhanasia Young
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Section 0503: After reviewing the quote “Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear affecting its purgation of these emotions.” and reviewing Oedipus the King it is easy to see the connection it has to the quotes / its relevance. Due to the fact that Oedipus was of such high importance this quote exemplifies how tragedy was inevitable for him. Throughout the reading we see how powerful he is especially in the beginning but the reading stays true to many Greek writings and tragedy strikes causing us to see a deeper more evolved version of the king. All of this was brought on through conflict and caused action to be taken to correct those wrongs rather than just words and or speaking.