Aristotle's "Poetics," written in the 4th century BCE, provides a comprehensive analysis of Greek tragedy, including the concept of the tragic hero. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero is a character of noble stature and virtue who is flawed by a tragic flaw or error in judgment, leading to his downfall. Aristotle outlines several key characteristics that define an ideal tragic hero in "Poetics."
Firstly, the tragic hero must be a person of noble stature and virtue. Aristotle emphasizes that the tragic hero should be someone the audience can admire and respect. This characteristic is essential as it establishes a contrast between the elevated status of the hero and the inevitable fall from grace that will occur later in the story. The audience's emotional connection to the character is crucial for the cathartic effect that tragedy aims to achieve.
Secondly, the tragic hero is not perfect; he possesses a tragic flaw, often referred to as "hamartia." This flaw is a personal trait or error in judgment that leads to the hero's downfall. While the tragic flaw is a significant aspect of the character, Aristotle notes that it should not be the result of moral depravity. The audience should sympathize with the hero's misfortune rather than perceive it as a deserved punishment.
Additionally, the tragic hero undergoes a reversal of fortune, known as "peripeteia." This involves a sudden and unexpected change in the hero's circumstances, often shifting from a position of prosperity to one of adversity. This reversal contributes to the dramatic tension in the narrative and intensifies the tragic experience for the audience.
Furthermore, Aristotle introduces the concept of "anagnorisis," or recognition. The tragic hero experiences a moment of self-discovery or realization, usually concerning the consequences of his tragic flaw. This recognition is a critical element in the hero's journey, as it adds depth to the character and contributes to the overall emotional impact of the tragedy.
Aristotle also emphasizes that the tragic hero's downfall evokes a sense of pity and fear in the audience. Pity is elicited for the hero's undeserved suffering, while fear arises from the realization that the same fate could befall anyone, regardless of their virtues. The combination of pity and fear leads to catharsis, a purging or cleansing of emotions that Aristotle believes is the ultimate purpose of tragedy.
In addition to these characteristics, Aristotle notes that the tragic hero's fate should not be entirely deserved or entirely undeserved. A completely virtuous character meeting a tragic end may evoke only pity, while a wholly wicked character's downfall may result in a sense of justice rather than the intended cathartic effect. The ideal tragic hero exists in a moral gray area, making the audience grapple with the complexities of human nature and destiny.
In conclusion, Aristotle's view of an ideal tragic hero in "Poetics" involves a character of noble stature and virtue, flawed by a tragic flaw that leads to a reversal of fortune. The hero's recognition of his flaw and the ensuing downfall evoke pity and fear in the audience, ultimately leading to catharsis. This concept of the tragic hero has been influential in shaping the understanding of tragic literature and continues to be a significant element in the analysis of dramatic storytelling.