TRAGEDY VS COMEDY

The concepts of tragedy and comedy are fundamental to the works of both Aristotle and Shakespeare, yet they are applied in different ways due to the differences in the periods in which the two men lived and the nature of their writings.

Aristotelian Tragedy vs Comedy

According to Aristotle’s Poetics, a tragedy is a dramatic narrative that elicits emotions of pity and fear from the audience, leading to a catharsis, or emotional cleansing. The protagonist is usually a person of significance, such as a king or a hero, who is inherently good but has a tragic flaw (hamartia) that leads to their downfall. An example is Oedipus Rex, whose quest for truth (despite warnings to stop) leads him to realize his horrific deeds — killing his father and marrying his mother.

Aristotelian comedy, on the other hand, deals with the lighter aspects of life. It generally involves characters of lower social standing dealing with trivial matters, and it often incorporates elements of satire or farce. The intent is to evoke laughter rather than deep thought or emotional turmoil. Unlike in tragedies, characters in an Aristotelian comedy usually come out of their situations unharmed and the ending is often a happy one.

Shakespearean Tragedy vs Comedy

Shakespearean tragedies are similar to Aristotelian ones in many ways. They also focus on noble characters who possess a tragic flaw that leads to their downfall and subsequent death. Hamlet, with his indecisiveness, or Macbeth, with his ambition, are examples of such tragic heroes. In Shakespeare’s tragedies, themes of death, revenge, and human nature are deeply explored, evoking a sense of fear and pity from the audience.

Shakespearean comedies, however, often feature mix-ups, disguises, and mistaken identities. These comedies usually involve love intrigues and end happily, often with one or more marriages. The characters can be from any social status, and the plots, while complex, generally lead to a resolution that brings joy or laughter. Examples of Shakespearean comedies include “Much Ado About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

So, in essence, while both Aristotelian and Shakespearean tragedies involve high-born characters experiencing a downfall due to a personal flaw, their comedies differ with Aristotle focusing more on social commentary and satire and Shakespeare favoring joyful resolution and romantic intrigue.