Aristotle's Poetics
Aristotle's Poetics
This blog is a part of the study activity provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the research article: Click here
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Q.-1.|To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections.
Ans:
Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in history, had a critical view on the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers. In his ideal society, as outlined in "The Republic," Plato proposed strict censorship on the arts. He believed that poetry and other forms of artistic expression could harm society by promoting falsehoods and undesirable emotions. While some might agree with Plato's objections, others may argue for the necessity of artistic freedom in fostering a vibrant and progressive society. Here, we will explore Plato's objections and identify contemporary examples of works that could be banned based on his views.
Plato's primary concern was that poets and artists have the power to influence people's emotions and behavior. He argued that they often present fictional stories that can mislead the audience about the nature of reality. In "The Republic," he specifically criticized Homer and other poets for portraying the gods and heroes in ways that he considered morally corrupt and misleading. Plato believed that such depictions could have a negative impact on the moral development of individuals and the overall harmony of the state.
Plato also objected to the way in which artistic works can stir emotions. He believed that emotions such as pity, fear, and desire could disrupt rational thinking and lead people away from virtuous behavior. For Plato, the ideal society is one in which reason and rationality prevail, and he feared that the arts, by appealing to the emotions, could undermine this rational order.
To understand Plato's objections in a contemporary context, we can look at various forms of media that might be considered harmful by his standards. For example, some modern novels, movies, and TV shows depict violence, immoral behavior, and unrealistic portrayals of life, which could be argued to negatively influence their audiences.
1. 'Animal' (2023 Indian Film):
Plot Summary:
'Animal' is a controversial Bollywood film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Vijay Singh, the angry son of a wealthy businessman who embarks on a violent rampage to avenge his father's would-be assassins.
Plato's Objections:
Moral Influence: The film's portrayal of violence and vengeance could be seen as morally problematic.
Emotional Impact: The intense and brutal scenes may disturb viewers emotionally.
Deception: The film's realistic depiction of violence might align with Plato's concerns about deceptive art.
Comic Ridicule: The glorification of violence clashes with Plato's preference for dignified portrayals.
Critics' Views:
Critics have criticized the film for its misogynistic and regressive depiction of women, as well as its glorification of violence.
2. 'Kabir Singh' (2019):
Plot Summary:
'Kabir Singh' is a romantic drama film starring Shahid Kapoor as Kabir, a self-destructive doctor whose intense relationship with his girlfriend, Preeti (played by Kiara Advani), leads him down a dark path.
Plato's Objections:
Moral Influence: The film's portrayal of toxic masculinity, anger, and self-destruction could be objectionable.
Emotional Impact: Kabir's descent into rage and substance abuse might disturb viewers emotionally.
Deception: The film's realistic depiction of Kabir's destructive behavior could align with Plato's concerns.
Critics' Views:
While Kapoor's performance and the soundtrack received acclaim, critics accused the film of glamorizing misogyny and toxic masculinity.
3. 'Mirzapur' (Indian TV Series):
Plot Summary:
'Mirzapur' is an action crime thriller series set in the lawless town of Mirzapur. It follows power struggles, violence, and criminal activities among various characters.
Plato's Objections:
Moral Influence: The series portrays violence, criminal behavior, and power struggles.
Emotional Impact: The intense scenes and morally ambiguous characters may impact viewers emotionally.
Deception: The realistic depiction of criminal activities could align with Plato's concerns.
Critics' Views:
While the show has been popular, some viewers have raised concerns about its portrayal of violence and amorality.
According to Plato's objections to artistic expression, 'Animal,' 'Kabir Singh,' and 'Mirzapur' can be justifiably objected to and potentially banned. These works contain elements that promote violence, moral ambiguity, toxic behavior, and emotional manipulation. Plato believed that such content could harm the moral and rational fabric of society, leading individuals to emulate undesirable behaviors and disrupt societal harmony. While contemporary society values freedom of expression, it's essential to consider the potential impact of media on audience behavior and societal values, making Plato's perspective still relevant in certain discussions.
Remember that these assessments are subjective, and opinions on artistic freedom vary. Some argue that such works provide valuable social commentary, while others find them objectionable. Ultimately, the balance between artistic liberty and societal impact remains a complex debate.
However, it's important to consider the counter-argument that freedom of expression is essential for creativity, progress, and the healthy exchange of ideas. Censorship can lead to a suppression of important social issues and hinder artistic innovation. In a democratic society, individuals should have the right to access a diverse range of viewpoints and make their own informed decisions.
In conclusion, while Plato's objections to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers can be understood from his perspective on maintaining societal order and morality, applying such strict censorship today could be seen as overly restrictive and counterproductive. While some contemporary works might raise concerns about their impact on society, the value of artistic freedom and open discourse must also be acknowledged. Balancing these two aspects remains a complex and ongoing challenge.
Q.-2.| Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that followed the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).
Ans:
During my B.A. program, I studied several literary texts that align with Aristotelian literary traditions. Aristotle's concepts of tragedy, catharsis, and the tragic hero with hamartia are evident in many of these works.
1. 'Julius Caesar' by William Shakespeare
This play exemplifies Aristotle's tragedy. Brutus, the tragic hero, has a fatal flaw (hamartia) in his idealism, leading to his downfall. The play evokes catharsis through its exploration of betrayal and fate.
2. 'King Lear' by William Shakespeare
An excellent example of Aristotelian tragedy, Lear's tragic flaw (hamartia) is his pride and misjudgment, which lead to his downfall and evoke catharsis through immense suffering and realization.
3. 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller
This modern tragedy follows Willy Loman, whose hamartia (delusion and pride) leads to his downfall, evoking pity and fear in line with Aristotle’s concept of catharsis.
In conclusion, while not all these texts strictly follow Aristotelian traditions, many incorporate his ideas of tragedy, catharsis, and the tragic hero in various ways, enriching their narratives and emotional impact.
Q.-3.| Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).
Ans:
During my B.A. program, I studied several literary texts that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition. Aristotle's concepts of tragedy, catharsis, and the tragic hero with hamartia were not present in these works.
1. 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens:
This novel is a Bildungsroman, focusing on the personal growth and development of the protagonist rather than following a tragic structure.
2. 'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw:
This play is a social commentary and comedy, focusing on themes of transformation and class rather than tragic elements and catharsis.
3. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell:
This novella is an allegory and political satire, critiquing power and corruption. It does not follow the structure of an Aristotelian tragedy.
4. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding:
Although it explores themes of human nature and societal breakdown, it does not follow the classical tragic structure or focus on a single tragic hero.
5. 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad:
This novella is a psychological and moral exploration of colonialism and human darkness, lacking the clear structure of Aristotelian tragedy.
6. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison:
While it deals with deep themes of pain and redemption, it does not fit the classical structure of a tragedy and focuses more on historical and personal trauma.
7. 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy
This novel explores personal and social tragedies within a non-linear narrative, focusing on social issues rather than following a traditional tragic structure.
8. 'Nagamandala' by Girish Karnad:
This play blends myth and reality, incorporating elements of personal and societal catharsis, but does not fit the strict Aristotelian model of tragedy.
In conclusion, while these texts are rich in themes and narrative techniques, they do not adhere to Aristotle's concepts of tragedy, catharsis, or the tragic hero with hamartia. They explore a variety of other literary traditions and forms, contributing to their uniqueness and depth.
Q.-4.| Have you studied any tragedies during your B.A. program? Who was/were the tragic protagonist(s) in those tragedies? What was their 'hamartia'?
Ans:
During my B.A. program, I studied several tragedies, including 'Julius Caesar' and 'King Lear' by William Shakespeare, and 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller. Each of these plays features a tragic protagonist whose hamartia, or fatal flaw, leads to their downfall.
1. 'Julius Caesar' by William Shakespeare:
The tragic protagonist in 'Julius Caesar' is Brutus. His hamartia is his idealism and naivety. Brutus genuinely believes that assassinating Caesar is for the greater good of Rome, failing to see the personal ambitions and deceit of those around him. His inability to perceive the true motives of others and his rigid sense of honor ultimately lead to his tragic end.
2. 'King Lear' by William Shakespeare:
In 'King Lear,' the tragic protagonist is King Lear himself. Lear’s hamartia is his pride and blindness to reality. He foolishly divides his kingdom based on flattery, misjudging his daughters’ loyalty. His arrogance and failure to see the true nature of those around him result in his downfall and immense suffering, culminating in a tragic and heart-wrenching conclusion.
3. 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller:
The tragic protagonist in 'Death of a Salesman' is Willy Loman. Willy’s hamartia is his delusional pursuit of the American Dream and his unwavering belief in personal charisma over hard work. He constantly chases an idealized vision of success, ignoring the realities of his situation and the needs of his family. This tragic flaw leads to his mental disintegration and eventual suicide.
In conclusion, these tragic protagonists—Brutus, King Lear, and Willy Loman—each possess a fatal flaw that leads to their ultimate downfall. Their stories evoke a sense of catharsis, allowing the audience to experience profound emotions and reflect on the complexities of human nature and fate.
References:
1. Barad, Dilip. “Aristotle’s Poetics.” Research Gate, Aug. 2023. Research Gate, https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31696.28164.
2. “Plato’s Aesthetics.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 22 July 2024, plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato-aesthetics/.
3. Singh, Puneet Krishna, creator. Mirzapur. Excel Entertainment, 2018-present.
4. Vanga, Sandeep Reddy, director. Animal. T-Series, 2023.
5. Vanga, Sandeep Reddy, director. Kabir Singh. T-Series, 2019.
