Wednesday 23 August 2023

Examining Aristotelian Literary Traditions in Shakespeare's "King Lear".


Certainly! Here's a blog post that explains Aristotelian concept in "King Lear" by William Shakespeare. One of the tragic play which I studied in my bachelors. 



Prologue:-

                Shakespeare's "King Lear" is a masterpiece that embodies the fundamental principles of tragedy as outlined by Aristotle.This masterpiece explores themes of power, pride and human suffering, adhering to the principles set forth by Aristotle for a tragic play. In this bolg post, we will delve into Aristotelian aspects found in "King Lear", highlighting their significance in shaping te dramatic structure and emotional impact of the play.

Now, we'll discuss some Aristotelian writing aspects.

  

1. Tragic Hero:- 

                         At the heart of any tragedy life a tragic hero , a character of Noble repute who possesses admirable qualities but also possess a tragic flaw or hamartia. In "King Lear " the eponymous character is the height of the tragic hero. As a powerful and revered king Lear's tragic flaw is he excessive pride and arrogance , which blinds him towards the consequences of his rash decisions. The flaw ultimately leads us to his downfall and the suffering of those around him.


2. Unity of plot, time and place:-

                         According to Aristotle , a tragedy should have a unified structure , encompassing a single plotline within a confide timeframe and setting. The entire action takes place within a compressed timeline , enhancing the sense of urgency and emotional intensity for the audience. 


3. Catharsis:-

                      One of the key purpose of the tragedy , according to Aristotle, is to evoke emotions and provide catharsis for the audience. "King Lear" successfully achieves this objective by presenting scenes of extreme emotional trauma , betrayal and loss. The audience is confronted with intense feeling of pity and fear as they witness Lear's suffering and the devastating impact it has on the other characters.  Through this emotional journey the audience experiences cathartic release and gains a deeper understanding of human nature. 

Below are some pictures of the tragic scenes which would help in understanding the incidents. 








 4. Recognition and Repeal:-

                               Aristotle emphasized the importance of a dramatic moment of recognition , where the tragic hero realizes their mistake and the consequences become clear . In "King Lear ", Lear experiences a moment of profound self- reflection and understanding as he realizes the consequences of his actions and the true colors of those he trusted. Additionally ttthe play showcases a dramatic reversal of fortune, with Lear's initial power and authority showing before our eyes. 


5. Cosmic or divine justice:-

                             Aristotle believed that tragedy should reflect the concept of cosmic or divine justice, where the characters fates are determined by their actions and moral choices. King Lear reflects this notion thorough the suffering and consequences that befalls the characters as a result of their actions.  The play explores the themes of justice , morality and ultimately emphasizing the universal balance inherent in the world. 
 

Conclusion:-

                            Shakespeare's " King Lear " addresses to Aristotelian literary traditions with its unified plot structure , tragic hero , emotional  catharsis, recognition,  reversal and exploration of cosmic justice .
 
                            So, there you have it! This blog post explores the Aristotelian concept in "king Lear " shedding light on the tragic elements present in Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece . By understanding this views, we gain a deeper appreciation for the plays enduring power and its ability to captivate audiences across generations. 
                          
                           Here I'm sharing a video which would help in understanding the Aristotelian concept and many more.....


     
                                           I hope this information might get helpful in reaching towards the answer. 


                         

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