Tragedy in Modern Times: Miller argues that few tragedies are written today due to the misconception that tragedy is only for the highly placed, such as kings and nobles.
Common Man as Tragic Hero: Miller posits that the common man is as suitable for tragedy as kings were, due to shared human struggles and emotions.
Tragic Feeling: Evoked when a character fights for personal dignity. This fight is universal, often stemming from indignation and a wound of indignity.
Tragic Flaw: Not necessarily a weakness, but a refusal to remain passive against indignity.
Learning from Tragedy: Tragedy involves questioning and examining accepted norms, leading to enlightenment and learning.
Tragedy and Optimism: Contrary to popular belief, tragedy implies optimism, showcasing the indestructible will of man.
Tragic Hero's Struggle: Demonstrates the possibility of victory and human potential, emphasizing a balanced view of life.
Conclusion
Relevance of Tragedy: Miller concludes that tragedy should focus on the struggles of the common man, reflecting the spirit and heart of everyday people.
Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy in "Poetics"
Definition of Tragedy
Imitation of Action: Tragedy imitates actions that are serious and complete, with embellished language and a dramatic form.
Evokes Pity and Fear: Through incidents that evoke these emotions, tragedy achieves katharsis (purging of emotions).
Six Parts of Tragedy
Plot: The most important element, structured as a cause-and-effect chain with a beginning, middle, and end.
Character: Supports the plot; the protagonist should be renowned and undergo a change due to a flaw or error.
Thought: Involves proving propositions or expressing maxims, usually connected to themes.
Diction: Appropriate expression through language, with a focus on metaphor.
Melody: The musical element; the chorus should integrate into the plot.
Spectacle: Least literary element, focuses on visual aspects but should not overshadow the plot.
Plot Characteristics
Unity of Action: The plot must be self-contained, with incidents bound by necessity.
Magnitude and Complexity: Plots should be complex, with reversals (peripeteia) and recognition (anagnorisis).
Character Guidelines
Goodness: Characters should be morally good.
Consistency: Actions should be true to established character traits.
True to Life: Characters should be realistic and relatable.
Katharsis
Purging of Emotions: Tragedy aims to purge excess emotions of pity and fear, achieving a balanced state.
Artistic Expression: The aesthetic pleasure in tragedy comes from contemplating these emotions through well-structured art.
Comparative Analysis
Miller vs. Aristotle: Miller emphasizes the common man's role in tragedy, while Aristotle focuses on structured, philosophical elements. Both agree on the educational and emotional impact of tragedy.
Modern Relevance: Miller advocates for modern tragedies that resonate with everyday struggles, aligning partially with Aristotle's universal themes.