Aristotle's Poetics

Aristotle's Poetics

 

In a broad sense, Antigone conforms to Aristotle's definition of a successful tragic plot structure, as the specific actions that drive the plot of this tragedy ultimately culminate in a sense of completeness and resolution by the end.

In contemplating Antigone within the framework of Aristotle's Poetics, the play masterfully elicits feelings of pity and fear. It embodies what Aristotle envisioned as the quintessential tragedy. Going through Aristotle's Poetics and going back to Antigone, I can see how many scenes from Antigone represent Aristotle's theory. For example, in Catharsis (Purgation of Emotions), Antigone seems to elicit strong emotions in the audience. The conflict between duty to family and duty to the state, the tragic downfall of the characters, and the final resolution through suffering and death all purge and arouse profound emotions in the viewers. 

Aristotle's assertion that a tragedy's conclusion should not bring happiness finds validation in the story of Antigone, where the narrative ends in a tragic and sorrowful manner. This mirrors the reality of many tragic events in both literature and real life, where joy and positive outcomes are often absent. Antigone, therefore, serves as a prime example of how Aristotle's principles of tragedy continue to resonate and hold relevance in the analysis of dramatic works and human experiences.