Aristotle’s View on Catharsis

The ultimate purpose of a writer is to give pleasure to the reader through their work. In
Poetics, Aristotle discussed catharsis only once, but its significance is profound. However,
he explored it more extensively in Ethics and Politics, providing a deeper understanding of
the concept. Later critics examined the concept from different angles, particularly from a
psychological perspective, analyzing its impact on human emotions.
The primary function of tragedy is to evoke emotional effects like pity and fear in the
audience. The downfall of a hero is not easily acceptable, whereas the rise of a villain is also
undesirable, creating a sense of tension and conflict. We tend to relate more to the hero
rather than the villain because we see ourselves in the hero’s struggles and identify with
their emotions.
This connection makes us feel that we, too, might be affected, which leads to catharsis—a
process similar to a clinical cure. By arousing pity and fear, catharsis becomes essential for
emotional release and purification. In Greek, the term is spelled with a “K” rather than a
“C,” highlighting its origins in ancient Greek philosophy.
The Greeks associated catharsis with purification, which was the ultimate purpose of
writing tragedy—to achieve final pleasure. This pleasure comes after catharsis, which
purifies both the body and the soul, providing a sense of emotional balance and calmness.
The soul attains calmness through this process, which is why some scholars compare it to
homeopathic treatment, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits.
Aristotle also described catharsis as the purgation of the soul, similar to medicine,
highlighting its role in emotional healing. In Politics, Aristotle used an analogy, referring to
catharsis as a “frenzy” or a “sudden outburst” of emotions, illustrating the intense
emotional experience of the audience.
Readers experience emotions intensely, often leading to errors in judgment. However, this
emotional frenzy needs to be controlled, as it may impact others and lead to undesirable
consequences. Maintaining emotional balance is crucial for individual well-being and social
harmony.
Two modern critics, Twining and Barney, discussed the term catharsis, analyzing its
significance in literary theory. Sigmund Freud supported the idea, viewing it as a
psychological phenomenon that can help individuals confront and resolve their emotional
conflicts. According to Freud, neurosis is a mental disorder, and psychologists help patients
recall their past—especially childhood memories—through hypnosis.
By confronting these memories, patients can let go of their problems, leading to ultimate
pleasure and emotional healing. The therapeutic benefits of catharsis are evident in its
ability to provide emotional release and purification, promoting mental health and well-
being.
Another critic, Thomas Taylor, wrote in 1818 that we learn moral lessons from the terrible
fates of evil men. He emphasized that when villains are punished, it serves as a warning for
everyone to avoid vice and promote moral behavior. Aristotle also discussed morality in
Ethics, stating that people become moralized when they distance themselves from evil and
cultivate virtues.
In contrast, Herbert Read compared catharsis to a safety valve, which releases built-up
emotional tension and promotes emotional balance. A modern critic, I. A. Richards,
analyzed pity and fear in tragedy, highlighting the complex emotional responses of the
audience. He explained that fear leads to withdrawal, while pity encourages approach,
illustrating the nuanced nature of human emotions.
Conclusion : In conclusion, catharsis is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been
explored by various critics and scholars. Its significance lies in its ability to provide
emotional release and purification, promoting mental health and well-being. Through its
therapeutic benefits and emotional resonance, catharsis continues to be a relevant and
important concept in literary theory and criticism.

TS Eliot _ Tradition and the Individual Talent

TS Eliot has shaped the world of literature with his poetry. He was not only a poet but also an
essayist, playwright, and journalist. His essays on metaphysical poets and war journals during
World War 2 showcase his vast learning. Eliot’s research spanned Sanskrit, modern literature, and
classical literature, and he often referenced many scholars in his work. His scholarly approach is
evident in his writing.

T.S. Eliot was born in 1888 in America and later moved to England, where he became a British
citizen. He is one of the most influential literary critics and poets of the 20th century. Like Ernest
Hemingway, Eliot also contributed to war literature, but his style was more modernist and allusive.
He was a vastly learned man, deeply familiar with French, German, Latin, and Sanskrit.

In his essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” Eliot discusses the importance of tradition in
shaping an artist’s work. According to Eliot, tradition is not just about imitation or adherence to
established norms but rather about understanding the historical context and literary heritage that
has shaped the art form. Eliot argues that a poet’s talent is shaped by a deep understanding of past
literary traditions. A poet must have a historical sense that makes them aware of the past and its
significance in shaping their work.

Tradition includes the literature of all languages and all periods. This is why Eliot uses references
from many languages in The Waste Land—Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, and more. Eliot emphasizes the
importance of connecting with past literature. He does not suggest blindly following old writers but
insists that modern writers must understand and absorb the literary tradition.
1. Dissociation of Sensibility: Eliot’s idea that after the 17th century, poets could no longer combine
deep thought and emotion in their poetry.

2. Unification of Sensibility: The ideal where thought and feeling are expressed together in
harmony, as seen in metaphysical poets like John Donne.

3. Objective Correlative: A technique where emotion is expressed indirectly through images,

actions, or symbols that evoke the feeling in the reader.

Impersonality in Poetry : The concept of impersonality is central to Eliot’s theory of poetry. He

believes that a poet’s personal experiences and emotions should not be the primary focus of their
work. Instead, the poet should strive to create a sense of objectivity and universality in their poetry.
“Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of
personality, but an escape from personality.” Eliot argues that a poet must be impersonal and
detached.

A great poet must be shaped in tradition through painstaking study to create lasting art. The poet
should develop a “historical sense”, which means being conscious of the pastness of the past and
how the past is still alive in the present. This connection with tradition should not be imitation, but
a creative transformation.

The value of poetry lies in its ability to transcend the poet’s personal experiences and biases. A good
poem is one that is able to evoke a universal response in the reader, regardless of their personal
experiences or background. The value of poetry lies in its relation to past literature, not in personal
emotion or experiences. New experiences do not make a poet great—only a connection to literary
tradition does.

Impersonality and tradition are essential for creating a masterpiece. Eliot’s essay “Tradition and
the Individual Talent” is a seminal work that explores the complex relationship between tradition
and individual creativity in literature. His ideas about impersonality, objective correlatives, and the
importance of understanding past literary traditions continue to influence literary criticism and
artistic practice to this day. As Eliot writes, “A poet must be quite aware of the obvious fact that art
never improves, but that the material of art is never twice the same.” This quote highlights the
importance of understanding the past literary traditions and the uniqueness of each artistic
experience.

One of his notable works is the play “Murder in the Cathedral,” which explores themes of faith,
power, and morality. Eliot also wrote the play Murder in the Cathedral, which dramatizes the
martyrdom of Thomas Becket. His style shows a journalistic approach, full of observation and
commentary on modern society. Overall, Eliot’s work continues to influence literature and art to
this day. His emphasis on tradition, impersonality, and objective correlatives has had a lasting
impact on literary criticism and artistic practice..

William Wordsworth _ Preface to Lyrical Ballads

William Wordsworth was a poet who preferred nature over reasoning, logic, and health. He
believed that poets should be concerned with the issues of the poor and use natural language in
their work.
William Wordsworth was rebellious against neoclassical writers in both poetry and criticism.
Neoclassical ideals, especially those promoted in Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope, encouraged
blind following of classical writers, focus on urban life, use of ornamented language, and emphasis
on reason, satire, and prose. Wordsworth did not accept these ideals.

Definition of Poetry: Poetry, according to Wordsworth, is a “spontaneous overflow of powerful

feelings.” This definition emphasizes the importance of emotion and imagination in poetry.
Wordsworth believed that poetry should be a natural expression of the poet’s feelings and thoughts,
rather than a carefully crafted and artificial work. Wordsworth defined poetry as: “Spontaneous
overflow of powerful feelings” recollected in tranquillity. This recollection reflects society. Poetry is
music, singable, and based on romantic imagination.

A poet, according to Wordsworth, is not a mere copier of reality but rather someone who presents
life as it should be, with a focus on tranquility and reflection. Poets should use their imagination to
observe and reflect on nature and human experience. They should also be able to convey their
thoughts and feelings in a way that is both personal and universal. A poet, in Wordsworth’s view, is
someone who has a deep understanding of nature and human experience.

Wordsworth believed that the language of poetry should be natural and authentic, rather than
artificially ornate. He argued that poets should use the language of everyday people, especially
those living in rural areas, to create a sense of simplicity and sincerity in their work. Poetry should
be compared by poets and should have peace, tranquility, and reflection. Wordsworth and
Coleridge rejected ornamented, artificial language and urban-centric themes. They wanted poetry
to be simple in diction, focused on rustic life and nature, and connected to common people.

Cassius Longinus, in On the Sublime, said poetry must be elevated. Wordsworth disagreed—
according to Coleridge, Wordsworth believed: There is no difference between language of prose and
metrical composition. In some poems, even meter is not needed. Wordsworth claimed no difference
between prose and metrical language.

Wordsworth was a pacifist (lover of peace). He wrote the Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1800) to
explain their method. Modified in 1802. Henry Fielding also supported low language. Their writings
detected moral problems in society.

Poetry must teach and delight. The poet is a teacher. True poetry involves empathy (feeling the
same) not just sympathy (feeling bad for others).Shakespeare is associated with humanism.
Empathetic poets are real poets. Poetry must have universal themes.

A poet, in Wordsworth’s view, is someone who has a deep understanding of nature and human
experience. They should be able to convey their thoughts and feelings in a way that is both beautiful
and meaningful. Poets should also be able to connect with their readers on a deep level, using their
imagination and empathy to create a sense of shared experience.

The Preface to Lyrical Ballad is considered a manifesto for Romantic poetry, outlining the key
principles and themes of the movement. Wordsworth argued that poetry should be written in a
natural and authentic language, using the language of everyday people. He also emphasized the
importance of imagination and emotion in poetry. Wordsworth believed: Poetry must reflect
spoken language. It should eliminate the gap between poetic and common language.
The French Revolution had a significant impact on Wordsworth’s work, influencing his views on
politics, society, and human nature. The revolution was an ideal for Wordsworth. In contrast,
England’s monarchy made such revolution difficult.Published as a joint venture by Wordsworth
and Coleridge. Included the Lucy poems—a series of 4 poems. Lucy means light. She is a small
child connected to nature.

Though promoting simplicity, some of Wordsworth’s poems like Ode to Immortality and Tintern
Abbey are written in florid language and are philosophical. Famous line: “The child is father of the
man.” Believed poetry should be “language for the people.”

In conclusion, Wordsworth’s poetry and ideas continue to influence literature and art to this day.
His emphasis on nature, imagination, and emotion in poetry has had a lasting impact on the
Romantic movement and beyond.

Philip Sidney _An Apology for Poetry

Philip Sidney was a poet, critic, and playwright who wrote “An Apology for Poetry” in response to
Stephen Gosson’s criticisms of poetry. Gosson, a Puritan, attacked poetry for its supposed
immorality and lack of usefulness.

According to Sidney, poets don’t merely copy reality; instead, they create new worlds and ideas.
Poets are sires/prophets who possess heightened emotions and a deeper vision. They are creators of
things as they should be, making poetry a superior form of expression.

Sidney emphasizes the importance of diction, antiquity, and universality in poetry. Poetry is an old
form of communication that has proceeded other branches of literature. Its universality and
veneration are evident in its ability to transcend time and cultures.

Sidney defines poetry as an art of imitation that represents, figures forth, and counterfeits reality.
Poetry is a speaking picture that aims to teach and delight. Its end is to instruct and entertain,
making it a valuable tool for communication.

The Renaissance was an age of revolution in art and culture, marked by significant movements
such as the Reformation and the Puritan movement. Sidney’s work reflects the qualities and spirit
of the Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of humanism and classical learning.Edmund
Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene” is an epic poem that reflects the politics, poetry, and religion of the
time. The poem is an allegory that explores themes of virtue, morality, and spirituality.

According to Sidney, poetry is superior to history and philosophy because it can convey complex
ideas and emotions in a way that is both pleasing and memorable. He argues that poetry is a
powerful tool for communication, and that its value depends on what is communicated.

The function of poetry, according to Sidney, is to teach and delight. Poets should create works that
are both instructive and enjoyable, taking into account the level of their readers. Sidney favors
poetic justice, where good is rewarded and wicked people are punished.

In “The Defence of Poesy,” Sidney defends poetry against the criticisms of Stephen Gosson. He
argues that poetry is a noble form of expression that embodies deep and meaningful themes. Sidney
also discusses the importance of poetic diction, style, and versification, emphasizing that language
plays a crucial role in poetry.

Poetry is important because it deals with profound and inspiring themes. It has the power to teach
and delight, making it a valuable tool for communication. According to Sidney, poets are prophets
who possess heightened emotions and a deeper vision. They are creators of things as they should be,
making poetry a superior form of expression.

Sidney’s legacy as a poet and critic continues to be felt today. His work “An Apology for Poetry”
remains an important text in the study of poetry and literary theory. Sidney’s emphasis on the
importance of poetry as a means of communication and his defense of poetry against its critics have
made him a key figure in the history of literary criticism.

Philip Sidney’s “An Apology for Poetry” is a seminal work of literary criticism that defends poetry
as a noble and morally instructive art. According to Sidney, poetry is based on imagination and
creativity, and its purpose is to teach and delight.

The late 16th century saw a surge in literary criticism, with multiple views existing about the nature
and role of poetry. Some saw poetry as mere entertainment, while others saw it as a serious art
form. The courtly atmosphere under Queen Elizabeth encouraged poetic development, and Tottel’s
Miscellany inspired a wave of lyrics and sonnets.

Sidney’s argument includes several key points, including the antiquity of poetry, universality,
continuity, and veneration of poets. Poetry predates all other forms of learning, and has existed
since the earliest stages of civilization. Poetry exists across cultures and ages, and is a reflection of
its deep roots in human expression.

According to Sidney, poetry is a form of art that aims to teach and delight through imaginative
creation. Poetry is an art of imitation that represents, teaches, and reforms. Sidney discusses the
different divisions of poetry, including religious poetry, philosophical poetry, and right/true poetry.

The subtypes of poetry include pastoral, elegy, satire, comedy, lyric, and epic. Edmund Spenser’s
“The Faerie Queene” is an example of an epic poem that celebrates Queen Elizabeth and includes
themes of virtue, war training, and martyrdom.

Poetry surpasses history and philosophy in moral education. Poetry combines the wisdom of
philosophy with the example of history, presenting moral universals in concrete and imaginative
forms. This makes poetry a powerful tool for teaching virtue and promoting moral learning.

The poet’s role, according to Sidney, is to create works that teach and delight. Poets are creators
who possess heightened emotions and a deeper vision, and they have the power to inspire and
educate their readers.

In conclusion, Philip Sidney’s “An Apology for Poetry” is a seminal work of literary criticism that
defends poetry as a noble and morally instructive art.Sidney argues that poetry is a powerful tool
for moral education, and that it can teach and delight in a way that is both pleasing and
memorable.