Read the following questions and passages about Aristotle's Poetics and Sophocles' Antigone. Post comments by with your name, the number of the question you are responding to, and then a response to the question. Due Wednesday.
HAMARTIA IN ANTIGONE
1. What role does "hamartia" play in Antigone? Pay attention to the "complex meaning" of hamartia when answering the question.
2. Where you would lay the blame for the tragedy? Explain. Think about individual blame and inevitable, cosmic fate.
The Greek word that describes what many people refer to as the "tragic flaw" of the hero of Greek tragedy, hamartia has a complex meaning which includes "sin," "error," "trespass," and "missing the mark" (as in archery–missing the bull's-eye). The "mistake" of the hero has an integral place in the plot of the tragedy. The logic of the hero's descent into misfortune is determined by the nature of his or her particular kind of hamartia.
3. Did you feel fear and pity followed by a catharsis when reading Antigone? If not, why not? When responding consider the special meaning of these words in Aristotle's Poetics. (The meanings are explained below.)
4. When have you ever felt fear and pity followed by catharsis when experiencing a work of art (a play, a film, a novel, a poem, a song, a painting, a sculpture, etc.)? Explain. I think, as modern readers, you will find Gadamer's explication (below) of what Aristotle meant by catharsis to be especially helpful and interesting.
FEAR AND PITY
Fear is one of the emotions aroused in the audience of a tragedy. This fear results, Aristotle seems to suggest, when the audience members understand that they, as human beings bound by universal laws, are subject to the same fate that befalls the tragic hero. Fear, along with pity, is "purged" in the process of catharsis. Along with fear, pity is one of the emotions aroused in the audience of a tragedy. We respond with pity, Aristotle seems to suggest, when we as members of the audience identify with the tragic hero's suffering. Pity and fear are "purged" in the process of catharsis.
CATHARSIS
One of the most difficult concepts introduced in the Poetics is catharsis, a word which has come into everyday language even though scholars are still debating its actual meaning in Aristotle's text. Catharsis is most often defined as the "purging" of the emotions of pity and fear that occurs when we watch a tragedy. What is actually involved in this purging is not clear. It is not as simple as getting an object lesson in how to behave; the tragic event does not "teach us a lesson" as do certain public-information campaigns on drunk driving or drug abuse. Hans-Georg Gadamer's attempt to describe catharsis in his study Truth and Method can serve both as a working definition and an introduction into the problem of establishing any determinate definition of this elusive concept:
What is experienced in such an excess of tragic suffering is something truly common. The spectator recognizes himself [or herself] and his [or her] finiteness in the face of the power of fate. What happens to the great ones of the earth has exemplary significance. . . .To see that "this is how it is" is a kind of self-knowledge for the spectator, who emerges with new insight from the illusions in which he [or she], like everyone else, lives. (132){SOURCE for everything above except for the questions: John Zuern's CriticaLink site hosted by the University of Hawai'i}
5. Respond to at least one comment posted by a peer.
22 comments:
John Ryan
February 12, 2008
1. I believe that hamartia is found in Antigone by each of its translations including, sin, error, trespass, and missing the mark. One main theme of the story is how pride leads to one’s demise. Pride being one of the seven deadly sins brings about the first definition of hamartia to mind. Creon’s pride lead’s to an error in marking Antigone for death, referring to the second definition. The third definition, trespass, appears first when Antigone approaches her brother’s body, which King Creon had declared illegal. Oppositely, it could be considered that Creon is trespassing on Antigone’s family by imposing an act that would forbid her to bury her own brother. Lastly, it appears that Creon missed his mark in utilizing his power in pride, instead of flexing his political strength; he leads to the demise of his entire family.
2. I believe that blame would have to be set upon Creon. Antigone’s character was developed to show us the inevitability of her actions and disregard of consequences. Creon, on the other hand, seemed to throw his pride in the wrong direction. He should have foreseen the dire consequences and heeded to the warnings long before it was too late. Antigone’s fate was decided, Creon’s, however, was not.
3. Truthfully, I felt no catharsis while reading Antigone. This was because I read the entire play while on the edge of sleep and only reviewed the book briefly during completely conscious hours of my day. For these reasons, I felt no true connection with Antigone. However, I do not believe that I would find a human truth in any of these characters, especially Antigone and Creon. This is because I find myself quite passive in the open with no wish to stir commotion, quite opposite to Antigone and Creon.
4. The closest I believe I have gotten to Catharsis in a work was most likely in the film Children of Men. This was the only time in which I viewed a character performing actions that I believed, whether they were heroic or made out of fear, they were simply believable and portrayed a true human element that is absent from most film.
1. I think Creon experiences a hamartia as well as Antigone in the play. Antigone is our heroine who lets her obstinance and pride lead to an array of tragic events, but one could argue that Creon has the same problem. His stubborn enforcement of his new law leads to the death of his entire family, made even more sad by the fact that this all occurs after he realizes his mistake.
2. At first I thought that Antigone acted really stupidly by defying the law but she does believe in a different religion that places heavy emphasis on burial in connection to any sort of afterlife. Creon was merely trying to assert his power as a new ruler, maybe to assuage the public that future attacks wouldn't harm his kingdom. I don't really think anyone is to blame for what happened.
3. I was afraid for Antigone because I really admired her strength and love for her brother, even though it was illogical. I felt pretty disconnected to the story so I didn't experience any sort of intense catharsis following an emotional response.
John's comment that the blame should be set upone Creon made me rethink what I wrote. In retrospect, Creon should have realized that killing his son's fiance would wreak havoc. So I think that he is mainly to blame for what happens - you just don't do that to future in-laws!
1.) The role of “harmatia” in “Antigone” is prominent enough to be considered a character itself. Sophocles seemed to take advantage of the complex meaning of the word, allowing it to have several meanings throughout the work. In the sense of being a “tragic flaw”, several characters display this. Antigone’s tragic flaw is her resilient pride, which she carries throughout the play and eventually leads to her death. Haemon’s is similar, with pride and passion ending his life. If we were to follow the paths of “harmatia”’s multiple meanings, Antigone’s “sin” or “error” was her decision to bury the body of her brother – which seems not so much a sin as her accepting the punishment for such actions. The sin here is not in the action, but in the thought behind the action.
2.) Well, to follow the book in its most literal sense, blame for this tragedy could be placed on the shoulders of Antigone’s brother, Polyneices – if he had not rebelled and ultimately been killed, Antigone would not be placed in this moral dilemma. But of course, then it could be argued that maybe his rebellion was just, and the blame falls on the King – whose actions could have also been justified. The purpose of me remarking on this endless cycle of blame is to put emphasis on the fact that I believe Sophocles intended us to see this as a story propelled heavily by inevitable fate. After re-reading Antigone, there seemed a sense of the plot not being merely as important as the viewpoints of the characters and the fate of each role. Of course, blame for the tragedy (by means of following the plot) could be blamed on Antigone, for ignoring Creon’s sanction, Creon, for being so harsh, and Antigone again for holding her pride, “accepting her fate” and killing herself. There are so many possibilities that I’ll be honest, I’m still unsure what I fully believe.
3.) When reading Antigone, the drama kid in me came out; I didn’t just read the play, I could visualize it onstage and understood character interpretation. Because of this, I felt both fear and pity for the characters in the show. When imagining emotion and emphasis in the dialogue, the characters of Antigone, Ismene, and Haemon all garnered fear for their characters (in very different ways). I hate to admit it, but I did see a little of myself in the title character – being stubborn and immovable in something that she so passionately believes in. Of course, after her suicide, I was not pleased with this comparison. But it did seak both fear and pity, which I readily gave. I found pity for Ismene, who was caught between family loyalties and harsh punishments. Haemon was a similar case as well.
4.) Probably most recently (except of course, for Antigone), I have felt fear and pity followed by catharsis when watching the movie “Atonement”. If you have seen it, you understand the complex characters need for closure to a certain relationship. You feel both pity and fear for the main characters, as you watch their lives split from one another and their paths torn apart. I honestly don’t want to ruin the movie for anyone who hasn’t seen it, because it is absolutely amazing (major recommendation from me), but you are left after 2 ½ hours wanting to be alone and think about the situation, and how you would react in a similar circumstances.
1.Hamartia plays a key role in Antigone as the reason for the demise of Creon. Without Creole’s choice of not burying his nephew there would be no conflict between the opposing sides (Antigone & Creon). The sin of not allowing a proper burial was Creon mistake which led to the downfall of all of his loved ones. Even when Tiresias and Haemon try to change his mind he will not have it until it is too late. The stubbornness and ignorance that Creon possesses are the mistakes that are key components in the overall plot of Antigone.
2.I would not lay the blame for the tragedy on any one character. I think that it was inevitable that the end result would happen because of the view points of the two main characters. With Creon and Antigone on such opposite ends of the issue of burying Polyneices there is no way that they could have come to an agreement. When two characters both possess the stubbornness that they possessed and are on opposite sides of an issue the result can only be disastrous.
3.When I was reading Antigone I felt fear and pity for Antigone but catharsis did not follow. As soon as I saw the polar viewpoints of the two main characters I immediately felt pity for them because of the evitable outcome. I know how Antigone felt when she was sticking to the one thing she truly believed in. Fear followed this emotion when I thought about how I would react in that same situation in the place of Antigone.
4.I have felt fear and pity which led to a catharsis from movies. There have only been a few movies that I have watched that truly made me feel catharsis. These were the movies that I recognized myself in the character and saw that I would most likely react the same way if placed in their situation.
5. In response to John's comment I think that Creon's fate was already decided. His ignorance and stubborness forshadowed the downfall of all of his loved ones. It was invitable that the ending was tradgic based on his values and those of Antigone.
Dan Aloisio
2.12.2008
1. I would say that hamartia occurs in Antigone by way of the parallel characters of Antigone and Creon. In both cases, the character has a certain stubbornness in their choice between the laws of men and the laws of God. This obduracy is beyond question in both cases, so the hamartia is so established in the play that the tension does not lie in how the character will act, but instead in which of the two systems of laws the reader values.
2. I would lay the blame in this tragedy on the inability of characters to understand each other’s dogmatism. For example, if Haemon had recognized that it was not troubling for Antigone to die (because of her strong reason for doing so), then he may not have died as a result of Antigone’s death. This can be extended to Eurydice’s death after Haemon’s death, as well.
3. I did not feel a sense of fear and pity while reading Antigone. First, I felt that the tragedy was so inevitable that there was no suspense for it (I did not fear any unknown). Second, I was actually excited by the passion that Antigone had for her beliefs. Though one could say she was foolishly headstrong, there was a certain element of her almost cartoonish doggedness and fearlessness that rang true for me. Said another way, I did not pity her because I believed that she was eager to die for that cause. So, although I found a truth in Antigone’s action, they were not a way to release fear and pity, which were absent.
4. The most recent time that I can remember feeling a catharsis would be from the movie “The Butterfly Effect.” For whatever reason, I was gripped in fear and pity that entire film. I have never really had so much empathy for a character, even one distinctly different from myself. Towards the end (without ruining it for everyone), there is a moment where I realize that the character almost recognizes the theme of the movie in which he is in, and takes a strong position on his attempts to change the past.
5. Kathi’s position has caused me to think that there is indeed a purposeful ambiguity on which character is to blame. This blame seems to lie, as Kathi points out (if I interpret her correctly), in which action one considers to be guided by fate and which is a matter of personal choice.
The role hamartia plays in Antigone is the main theme of the book: how far would one go in keeping one's word,... One must maintain a balance in order to be successful. Antigone and Creon are two extremes: Ismene is well balanced. Their hamartia is that they do not want to be anything but extreme.
I would put the blame upon Creon, because if it was not for his decree, there would not have been a dispute. He should have let Antigone go because it was her brother.
I know that I should have felt more catharsis with reading Antigone, but I have been thinking about so much other stuff that I did not have an extreme feeling of catharsis. I felt empowered by her, because she is so proud of her choice.
I felt the closest to this reading Anne Frank in eighth grade. I felt such a strong connection to her, even thought she was gone.
1. Both Antigone and Creon experience a "tragic flaw" due to their stubborn attitudes and pride. Antigone's pride leads to her demise, but she accepts her fate and seems satisfied with her actions. Creon, on the other hand, needs to be in control of not only his own life but also others, but fails. He suffers in a different way due to his tragic flaw. Creon's overwhelming pride and his failure to listen and compromise lead to the death of his son and wife, which he feels responsible for.
2. Creon is the character to blame. He failed to compromise with Antigone and did not listen to his son or Teiresias, both of which could have solved the problem. Creon was afraid to sacrifice his power and authority and tragedy results.
3. I felt some degree of both pity and catharthis while reading this play. I could relate to Ismene in some aspects, but I didn't really like her character. Compared to Antigone, she is very passive and does what is accepted to be correct thing to do, whether it is following laws or being loyal to her sister. I felt pity for her because she makes an attempt to do what is right in a difficult situation which ends in the death of her sister. I could also relate to Haemon and his attempt to be loyal to his father while somewhat gently pointing out his faults. The death of the mother in the end surprised me and made the final scene feel even more tragic and disappointing.
1. To identifying the Hamartia in the play Antigone, one must identify the hero of the story. One could argue that Antigone is the hero, but the entire play is rather short and her character is not well developed. In Antigone’s monologues she discusses her actions and the consequences she was fully aware of. Antigone also addresses her regret of dying a virgin with no husband or children to comfort her. It was brave of Antigone to attempt to bury her beloved brother in defiance of Creon but was it truly brave, or was it just stupid? From Antigone’s perspective she was a hero, in her culture it apparently was an atrocity to leave the dead without performing burial rites, she felt it was truly necessary to perform this final service for her brother. The hamartia in regard to Antigone is her choice to defy Creon’s edict, a crime against the government.
Creon could also be considered the hero of the story. In was under his leadership that Thebes with its seven gates survived the battle with the invading Argives. The people listen to Creon and now consider his line to be the royal ruling party. Creon’s hamartia is his choice to allow Antigone’s brother Polyneices to go unburied despite the warning of the oracle Tiresias. Creon was attempting to make an example out of Polyneices, but power corrupted his common sense.
2. The blame for the tragedy seems to be both the mistakes of man and cosmic destiny. It was a mistake for Creon to forbid the burring of Polyneices body when there is a taboo against leaving a body to be desecrated. Also it would seem only natural that Creon’s future daughter-in-law would find it distressing to have her bothers body laying in the street. Creon also entombs Antigone alive in a crypt, according to Tiresias this was very unnatural and wrong placing further blame on Creon. By putting Antigone in a tomb Creon left a way for a son to visit his love. If Creon had executed Antigone quickly then Haemon may not have found a way to poetically commit suicide with his bride-to-be.
The story also speaks of destiny. Antigone discusses her regret of being unmarried in death. There are several mentions of Antigone and Haemon being married in Hell. Perhaps these star-crossed lovers were meant to be together whether in this world or the next.
3. I felt very little Pity for Antigone she committed her crime in full awareness of the consequences, accepting her fate. I did have sympathy for the character Haemon, at first. I respected Haemon’s attempt to persuade his father to free Antigone by first sucking up. Haemon spoke of the common man, and hinted at how the follower rarely speaks up, but when words are heard from quiet people they are usually well thought out answers, arguments planned well in advanced. Later I lost respect for Haemon later when he suddenly commits suicide after his deep love for Antigone is suddenly revealed. Haemon seemed to be the most thoughtful character at the beginning; his actions did not seem as brash as those of Antigone’s and Creon’s. I did feel a minor sense of catharsis, he at least attempted to understand others.
4. I have felt a sense of catharsis from books and movies that have very passionate characters. Stories in which protagonists are forced to a final stand to defend all they hold dear by throwing their remaining energies against an evil force. An example being the Lord of the Rings where the characters fight to the last man, and as expected and most satisfyingly defeat the bad guy. After watching these movies
I feel I can take on the orcs of modern American until I return to reality and find that my bed is way too comfortable.
5. When reading the play I imaged making a live version of the story like Kathi did, however I imagined the story as more of a movie. Although I never did like the notion of the chorus, the story never really seemed like a musical to me. Although it would be difficult to portray Antigone if the audience did not have access to her mind and the monologues leading up to her imprisonment in the tombs.
1. To identifying the Hamartia in the play Antigone, one must identify the hero of the story. One could argue that Antigone is the hero, but the entire play is rather short and her character is not well developed. In Antigone’s monologues she discusses her actions and the consequences she was fully aware of. Antigone also addresses her regret of dying a virgin with no husband or children to comfort her. It was brave of Antigone to attempt to bury her beloved brother in defiance of Creon but was it truly brave, or was it just stupid? From Antigone’s perspective she was a hero, in her culture it apparently was an atrocity to leave the dead without performing burial rites, she felt it was truly necessary to perform this final service for her brother. The hamartia in regard to Antigone is her choice to defy Creon’s edict, a crime against the government.
Creon could also be considered the hero of the story. In was under his leadership that Thebes with its seven gates survived the battle with the invading Argives. The people listen to Creon and now consider his line to be the royal ruling party. Creon’s hamartia is his choice to allow Antigone’s brother Polyneices to go unburied despite the warning of the oracle Tiresias. Creon was attempting to make an example out of Polyneices, but power corrupted his common sense.
2. The blame for the tragedy seems to be both the mistakes of man and cosmic destiny. It was a mistake for Creon to forbid the burring of Polyneices body when there is a taboo against leaving a body to be desecrated. Also it would seem only natural that Creon’s future daughter-in-law would find it distressing to have her bothers body laying in the street. Creon also entombs Antigone alive in a crypt, according to Tiresias this was very unnatural and wrong placing further blame on Creon. By putting Antigone in a tomb Creon left a way for a son to visit his love. If Creon had executed Antigone quickly then Haemon may not have found a way to poetically commit suicide with his bride-to-be.
The story also speaks of destiny. Antigone discusses her regret of being unmarried in death. There are several mentions of Antigone and Haemon being married in Hell. Perhaps these star-crossed lovers were meant to be together whether in this world or the next.
3. I felt very little Pity for Antigone she committed her crime in full awareness of the consequences, accepting her fate. I did have sympathy for the character Haemon, at first. I respected Haemon’s attempt to persuade his father to free Antigone by first sucking up. Haemon spoke of the common man, and hinted at how the follower rarely speaks up, but when words are heard from quiet people they are usually well thought out answers, arguments planned well in advanced. Later I lost respect for Haemon later when he suddenly commits suicide after his deep love for Antigone is suddenly revealed. Haemon seemed to be the most thoughtful character at the beginning; his actions did not seem as brash as those of Antigone’s and Creon’s. I did feel a minor sense of catharsis, he at least attempted to understand others.
4. I have felt a sense of catharsis from books and movies that have very passionate characters. Stories in which protagonists are forced to a final stand to defend all they hold dear by throwing their remaining energies against an evil force. An example being the Lord of the Rings where the characters fight to the last man, and as expected and most satisfyingly defeat the bad guy. After watching these movies
I feel I can take on the orcs of modern American until I return to reality and find that my bed is way too comfortable.
5. When reading the play I imaged making a live version of the story like Kathi did, however I imagined the story as more of a movie. Although I never did like the notion of the chorus, the story never really seemed like a musical to me. Although it would be difficult to portray Antigone if the audience did not have access to her mind and the monologues leading up to her imprisonment in the tombs.
4. I experienced a rememberable catharsis while reading the book Lolita this year. It is about a man who is obsessed to "nymphets" and the relationship he has with a young girl. I felt extreme pity for him as well as the girl. As repulsive as this story may seem, it really isn't. The book gives you an insight into a different kind of love which is definitely strange and not at all accepted in our society, but is genuine and moving.
I wonder why John Ryan is so often at the edges of sleep...
5. In response to Erin's comment, I think Antigone is the hero of the story. I appreciate that she is willing what is accepted in her society to do what she believed is right. She shows a sincere loyalty and care for her family. I don't think she buried Polyneices only on the basis of defying the government. I also appreciated her for standing up to Creon who had no logical reasons for his opinions, other than to protect his pride and reputation. Antigone is brave enough to go against Creon's power and the pressures of her society, which I think makes her a hero.
1. The tragic flaw of Antigone seems to be Antigone's own stubbornness. She is noble in fighting for her brother's right to a burial, but, in a way, she is half blind and it brings her to her death. Her virtuous nature is destructive in that it prevents her from reasoning with Creon. The "hamartia" is found in where the good intentions go to die. The inability to reason with others is what causes all of the conflicts in Antigone.
2. I would blame Creon for the tragedy. Although Antigone was stubborn, she had much less power and influence over others. He is the only character with real power over people. None of the deaths would have occurred (perhaps with the exception of the two brothers) if it had not been for his pride getting in the way.
3. I did not really feel anything when I read Antigone. I am not going to just dismiss it though. Antigone seems like a play that is meant to be watched because the true emotion must be in the actions with the words. In my mind, I can't act out all the characters in a convincing way.
4. When I listen to certain albums or read certain passages to novels I feel fear, pity and catharsis. I really appreciate when a songwriter or band can reveal something about the human condition through sound and/or words. I like books and albums that have a lot of layers to them. When there is a lot to think about, I find myself moved by the fact that something is stimulating my mind to explore. Faulkner's _As I Lay Dying_ and Slint's Spiderland are two works that come to mind when I think of art that has made me feel fear, pity and catharsis with the characters.
5. Personally, I just found it interesting to read about what works of art affect people. I think that it is easyto be moved by something because it is human to desire to have some kind of connection, art work especially. Art explores humanity in many different ways and each person's outlook on life affects the medium that strikes them.
Melanie Tobey
2/12/08
1.Along with Antigone, I think that Creon experiences hamartia throughout the play. King Creon is one of the reasons why his entire family ends up dying. As a result of their deaths he feels guilt. One of the reasons why his family members died was his new laws that were enforced. King Creons power gets out of hand towards the end of the play but realizes too late when his family is dead.
2.I believe that the blame should be placed on Creon. Creons power got out of hand with his new laws. In the end he didnt do the right thing for his family by helping them but instead following his laws. Creon believed more in his own pride and power then in his families.
3.Before reading Antigone I knew it was a tragedy so as a reader I was aware that bad things were going to happen throughout the play. Because I knew this the only time I felt pity for Antigone was when she wasnt able to bury her brother Polynice because the love that Antigone had for her brother was clear. Antigone was only trying to do the right thing but in the end there was a bad result to her actions.
4.I have felt pity and catharis many times through reading books and watching movies. The most pity and catharis that I feel from watching movies and reading books is when I can relate to what is happening to the character.
John Castellucci
1) I believe that hamartia is found in the two conflicting characters in the play, antigone and Creon. Both are incredibly strong-willed and will not back down.
2) The blame for the tragedy that occurs in the end of the play rests in both Antigone and Creon. It is because both of them refuse to compromise on a single issue that the play ends with sadness.
3) Though I understood that this play was a tragedy, I could not help but feel fear and pity for Antigone. It is her unwavering love for her brother and knowing that she is facing her own death because of that love is what causes my fear and pity for her.
4) Another work of literature that has caused me to feel fear and pity is the character John from Brave New World. He like Antigone, exerts that rebellious attitude in the face of an inevitable tragic end, and that is why I feel pity and fear for him.
emily munroe
1. Hamartia is clearly found in Antigone. "Tragic flaw", sin, error, trespass and missing the mark all fit in with Antigone's actions. She sins with her pride or stubborn attitude, trespasses by burying her brothers body, and misses the mark obviously leading to her death. Creon also inhabits hamartia. He sins aswell being so headstrong and misses the mark by having his actions lead to the death of many.
2. When it comes to the blame I find it lies in both Creon and Antigone. Each character would not change their minds. With extreme pride and no thought of others tragedy was sure to enfold.
3. In all honesty I felt no real catharsis when reading Antigone. This was not becuase I did not connect to it, but because I read the play while driving home from visiting my family. Being a completely emotional person towards life and family I believe that if I reread the play I may actually be able to feal a catharsis and connection to the novel.
4. Earlier today in class someone mentioned the novel Enders Game. I read this book probably 3 or 4 years ago, but I remember experiencing an extreme catharsis afterward. I wouldn't say I actually related to Ender, but I felt fear for what he was doing and pity that he had no choice.
5. In response to what Kathi said about who is to blame, I found that what she said makes much sense. The whole idea of fate deciding seems to be a common thread throughout the play.
1. It seems like as much as Antigone facing a hamartia, Creon equally does as well. Both characters exhibit stubbornness and blind pride. His need for control causes many of the problems in the play and is the cause of so many deaths. His demand to not have his nephew buried is the what launches all of Antigone’s actions and her defiance of Creon.
2. The blame of all the tragedy in the play is caused by Creon. His demand for complete control and belief that his word can overthrow those of the Gods cause him to have an unbearable ignorance. It is his pride that causes all of the drama and deaths to occur.
3. While reading the play I did not really experience sympathy or any relation to the play. I found it a typical Greek tragedy; filled with deaths, deception, and betrayal. I didn’t really imagine it in play form and could not picture the characters performing so I had a hard time forming them in my head.
4. I find that I have experienced the most catharsis when listening to music. It can be anything from “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles or “The Prophecy” by Remy Zero. Apart from literature, music has the ability to connect all of mankind. It is a piece filled with human emotions and actions. And is the ultimate purging of human emotions. This is the greatest catharsis of fear, pity, sadness, lust and many other dark human emotions. It has the ability to release all of this and this explains why there are so many love, angry, and deep songs out in the world.
5. In response to Dan’s comment, I completely agree with his statement that Antigone’s actions as respectable because of them demonstrating her strong beliefs. Her determination and fearlessness is admirable and also respectable for the way which she faced punishment.
Kacie O'Maley
March 19, 2008
1. Hamartia plays a role in the play Antigone in both the characters of King Creon and Antigone. This tragic flaw is embodied in both Creon's and Antigone's actions and hardheadedness. Antigone's pride and responsibility to her brother leads to her death. Creon's love for power and enforcment of his laws lead to his families death as well.
2. I would lay the blame in this tragedy on both Creon and Antigone both of their stubborness towards what they beleive in leads to the demise of them and their families.
3. While reading Antigone i did not feel any deep fear or catharsis, i read the play quickly and which enjoying it, i did not deeply connection with any of the characters. I did though feel proud of Antigone for how strong adn undetered she was in standing up for what she beleived in.
4. When reading books and watching movies i am usually do so for the sole reason to be entertained, i dont usually look deeper. But after watching the movie Requium for a Dream i felt fear and pity followed by catharsis, which i didnt realize at the time but now i recognize what those feelings were and why i was feeling them. This movie followed four or five characters lives and how they were ruined in their attempt to fufill their dreams. After watching this movie i was truly disturbed, and could not put a finger on why. But now i am able to, i am amazed by the way this movie made me fear growing up and realize that just becasue you are a good person with pure intentions doesnt mean everything will be ok.
5. John said,"Pride being one of the seven deadly sins brings about the first definition of hamartia to mind." i agree with this, but i also think that the "complex meaning" of hamartia can also relate to Creon with sin. The fact that Creon will not allow Antiogone's brother to have a proper burial is like a sin, in the fact that it wont allow him to go to heaven.
Great article about Aristotle
very informative thanks for sharing
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