In this video, we discuss the debate of whether Oedipus Rex is a tragedy of fate or character, as defined by Aristotle. Join us as we delve into the themes and elements of this classic Greek tragedy and explore the perspectives of both fate and character in its tragic outcome.
“Oedipus Rex”; the tragedy; has been mentioned as one of the best tragedies ever written by Sophocles. Despite its controversial genre, it gained fame in many countries. The play was translated into many modern languages and performed around the whole world. A reason why “Oedipus Rex” got famous is that it was mentioned in “Poetics”. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher and the author of the book “Poetics”, mentioned Oedipus Rex as an ideal tragedy. Numerous critics do not consider “Oedipus Rex” a perfect tragedy; they are of the view that if “Oedipus Rex” is judged by Aristotle’s requirements of tragedy even then it cannot be regarded as a Greek tragedy. On the other hand, some critics say that Aristotle rightly adjudged “Oedipus Rex” and it is a perfect Greek tragedy as per the necessities of “Poetics”. Hence, this matter needs consideration and an explanation is required to decide the genre of “Oedipus Rex”.
Tragedy and its purpose:
Two types of genres have been mentioned in “Poetics”, which are comedy and tragedy. Undoubtedly, “Oedipus Rex” is not a comedy definitely it is a tragedy but the matter of discussion is that if it is a tragedy then why does not it fulfil the constraints of a perfect tragedy? Aristotle defined “Tragedy” in his book “Poetics in the following words:-
“[tragedy is] the imitation of an action that is serious and also as having magnitude, complete in itself.”
Poetics by Aristotle
It is not the main purpose of a tragedy. He concludes the definition in the following words:-
“tragedy affects the catharsis of pity and fear.”
Poetics by Aristotle
Hence, the main aim of tragedy is the catharsis of pity and fear. Aristotle did not define the word catharsis yet in simple words, it means that when a hero’s sufferings shock the audience, the audience puts its feet in the hero’s shoes and shares feelings with the character. This action causes the arousal of feelings and emotions of pity and fear. Thus, we call it catharsis.
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