Similarities Between Epic and Tragic

1
Similarities Between Epic and Tragic

• Dignified
• Serious
• All characteristics of the epic are possible in
  the tragic.

2
Differences Between Epic and Tragic

• Time Epic is not limited in time nor space
• Tragedy is limited to 1 day (or so) and to a
  manageable setting.
• Epic is narrative.
• Tragedy is dramatic (action).

3
Definition of Tragedy

• A representation of an action that is worth
  serious attention
• Complete in itself and of some amplitude
• In language enriched by a variety of artistic
  devices appropriate to the several parts of the
  play.
• Presented in the form of action, not narration.

4
Continued

• By means of pity and fear bringing about the
  purgation of such emotions.

5
Katharsis

• The purgation of emotions caused by pity and
  fear.
• Where do the pity and fear come from?
• What are they?
• Why do we have the emotions?
• Why do we need to purge them?
• How do we purge them?

6
Tragic Language

• Possesses rhythm
• May use music or song
• How, then, will tragic language differ from
  normal conversational language?
• How does it differ from normal literary language?
• Why is this language necessary?

7
Imitation

• In tragedy, action is imitated, and this action
  is brought about by agents which necessarily
  display certain distinctive qualities of
  character and of thought
• Thought and characterare the natural causes of
  actions.
• What is an agent?
• What does he mean by distinctive qualities of
  character and of thought?

8
Plot the representation of an action in an
ordered arragnement

• Plot is the most important of the constituent
  parts of a tragedy
• Represents action and life.happiness and
  unhappiness
• Actions cause happiness or unhappiness, not
  character
• Reversal and recognition are part of the way that
  plot plays on our emotions

9
Thought

• The ability to say what is possible and
  appropriate in any given circumstances
• Explain what possible and appropriate mean.
• Expresses what is natural and normal, what is
  true for all people and which does not reveal
  merely a personal choice.

10
Character

• That which reveals personal choice, the kinds of
  things a man chooses or rejects when that is not
  obvious.
• Must show preference in order to reveal character