2. Definition Of Tragedy And Play By Aristotle And Dryden :-
Definition of Tragedy
“Tragedy , then, is an
imitation of an action that
is serious, complete, and of
a certain magnitude; in the
language embellished with
each kind of artistic
ornament, the several kinds
being found in separate
parts of the play; in the
form of action, not of
narrative; though pity and
fear effecting the proper
purgation- catharsis of
these and similar
emotions.”
Definition Of Play
Just and lively image of
human nature,
representing its passions
and humors, and the
changes of fortune to
which it is subject, for the
delight and instruction of
mankind.
3. Tragedy is the “Imitation of an action” according to
“the law of probability or necessity.”
Aristotle indicates that the medium of tragedy is
drama, not narrative; tragedy “shows” rather than
“tells.”
4. The chief mood of tragedy is sadness. In this way
tragedy reflects seriousness.
Aristotle says that the action of tragedy must be
complete. In other words, it should have a Beginning,
middle and end.
Magnitude means size or length. According to Aristotle
tragedy should neither too long nor too short.
More use of metaphors can make language grand
and quite well.
5. According to the definition, drama is an
‘image’ of ‘human nature’, and the image is
‘just’ and ‘lively’. By using the word ‘just’
Dryden seems to imply that literature imitates
human actions. For Dryden, ‘poetic imitation’
is different from an exact, servile copy of
reality, for, the imitation is not only ‘just’; it is
also ‘lively’.
6. Aristotle says that Tragedy is an imitation of an action while Dryden says
that Play is a lively image of human nature.
In Aristotle’s definition manner of imitation should be action , not
narration as in epic, for it is meant to be dramatic representation , not mere
storytelling, in the case of Dryden , it is not slavish imitation , but imaginative
creation that Dryden means by ‘Just’ and ‘ Lively’ image of human nature .
According to Aristotle pity and fear are used in tragedy to purify the
emotions of mankind. Whereas Dryden says that passions and humors are used
to delight and instruct mankind.
Aristotle’s definition has ended with ‘catharsis’ while the definition of
Dryden has ‘delight’.
7. Definition of Tragedy
It is an imitation of an
action that is serious,
complete, and of a
certain magnitude.
It has the power to
arouse pity and fear.
The power of
sorrowfulness, means
unhappiness.
It affects to the soul,
excite the catharsis
And above all to move
towards regret.
Definition of Play
It is not slavish imitation , but
imaginative creation that Dryden
means by ‘Just’ and ‘ Lively’
image of human nature.
It has the power to arouse
aesthetic delight.
The power of transport,means
happiness.
It affects to the soul, excite the
passion.
And above all to move
towards admiration.
