Aristotle's Impact On Society

Aristotle is one of the most prominent western philosophers in history that has impacted our society in many aspects. Many of his teachings have affected our world for many years and still continue to create major influences. Some of his works that have greater impact are: logic, physics, government, and poetry inclusively. In reference to his work of literary notice, ‘The Poetics’ has significantly influence the theory and practice of modern Dramas and Greek tragedies such as Hamlet by Shakespeare and Oedipus the king by Sophocles. However, considered by many as one of the greatest classic Greek tragedies, Oedipus the King by Sophocles ( 495- 406 B.C.E) is set in the remoteness of ancient Greece which has come down to us in the form of

His conception of the term ‘Tragic Hero’ is important in the section of the “poetics”. According to him Aristotle the tragic hero is commonly found to belong to a great and noble family, he is a man of noble structure but is not very virtuous and just. He undergoes suffering, which results, not from evil, but from some Hamartia. Therefore, this leads us to the interpretation of the term ‘Hamartia’. According to one of them, it means a defect in character which brings tragic consequences i.e. tragic flaw. The second meaning is the sense of error of judgment. Ideally, in reference to the first definition, we would say that Oedipus’ hamartia is rashness and anger or a tendency to place too much value on human intelligence. Having analyzed the second definition we can conclude the errors being made by Oedipus before the story of Sophocles play begins, or look for similar errors within the play itself. As result, it can be argued that the cause of Oedipus’ tragedy is excessive pride in his intelligence. It is evidently depicted in the play where he believes that he can defeat the oracles by going back to Corinth. At this point, his innocent manner and arrogance leads him to solve the sphinx riddle. ” Even though he was a great father to his children, he is blind to the fact that he had committed incest. “And I tell you since your taunted me with blindness. As Aristotle

As his definition suggests, ‘this action thus must be represented and not told to distinguished dramatic poetry from epic; but I hasten to the end or scope of tragedy, which is to rectify or purge our passions, fear and pity.’ His explanation for this concept of a drama to be a tragedy is; for the reader/ audience to evoke those elements of pity, fear and passion when watching or reading the play. In Oedipus Rex, however the play itself is a perfect example of the play that produces a tragic effect. The play greatly deepens our experience of human life and enhances our understanding of human nature. The drama produces in us feeling of pity and fear, pity for the suffering population of Thebes and fear of the future misfortune which might be the fall of the people. This being illustrated when the priest, describes the state of affairs, refers to the tide of death from which there is no escape, death in the fields, death in the pastures, death in the wombs of the women, death that caused by the plague which grips the people. “The plague spreads everywhere, a stain seeping through our streets, our fields, and our house” (42-42) Oedipus expresses his sympathetic feelings to the priest that his heart is burden by the collective suffering of all the people. The chorus which is the entry song of the prologue highlights the feelings of fear and pity in the people. Another