Literary Term - Catharsis

 

Literary Term

Catharsis 

Catharsis is a literary term derived from Greek drama and originally associated with Aristotle's Poetics. In the context of literature and drama, catharsis refers to the emotional release or purification that an audience experiences through the vicarious participation in a dramatic and often tragic event.

Aristotle used the term in the context of tragedy, suggesting that the audience could achieve a purging or cleansing of emotions, particularly pity and fear, by witnessing the suffering and downfall of a tragic hero. The tragic hero's experiences are meant to evoke strong emotions in the audience, allowing them to undergo a psychological catharsis that leaves them feeling emotionally cleansed and uplifted.

Catharsis is not limited to tragedy alone and can be applied to various forms of literature. It suggests that literature, through its emotional impact, can have a therapeutic effect on the audience, providing a means of purging or releasing pent-up emotions. While the concept of catharsis has been debated and interpreted in different ways over the years, it remains a significant and influential idea in discussions of literature and drama.

 

Examples of Catharsis from Literature

One classic example of catharsis in literature can be found in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet." The play revolves around the protagonist, Hamlet, who experiences intense emotional struggles, including grief, anger, and internal conflict. The climax, which involves a series of tragic events and Hamlet's own demise, allows the audience to undergo a cathartic experience. The resolution of the play provides a sense of emotional release and purification for the audience.

Another example is Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex." The protagonist, Oedipus, unwittingly fulfills a prophecy that leads to his tragic downfall. The audience witnesses Oedipus' journey from pride and confidence to a state of profound suffering. The catharsis occurs as the audience shares in Oedipus' emotional turmoil and experiences a purging of emotions through the tragic resolution of the story.

In more contemporary literature, J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye" can be seen as providing a cathartic experience for readers. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, undergoes a series of personal crises and struggles with the complexities of adolescence. The novel's resolution, though ambiguous, allows readers to empathize with Holden's struggles and potentially experience a sense of emotional release and understanding.

These examples showcase how literature, through the portrayal of characters and their experiences, can evoke strong emotions in the audience, leading to a cathartic effect.

 

Function of Catharsis

The function of catharsis in drama serves several important purposes, contributing to the emotional and psychological impact of the work. Here are some key functions of catharsis in the context of drama:

 

Emotional Purging:

Function: The primary purpose of catharsis is to provide the audience with a release of pent-up emotions. Through the intense experiences of the characters, particularly the tragic hero, the audience is able to undergo a purging of emotions such as pity and fear.

Example: In a tragedy like Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the downfall of the ambitious Macbeth elicits both pity for his tragic fate and fear of the consequences of unchecked ambition.

 

Cathartic Learning and Reflection:

Function: Catharsis can lead to a deeper understanding of human nature and the consequences of certain actions. It allows the audience to reflect on the choices and behaviors of characters and their own lives.

Example: In Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," the tragic events involving accusations of witchcraft provide a cathartic experience that prompts reflection on issues such as hysteria, intolerance, and the abuse of power.

 

Cathartic Cathexis:

Function: The audience invests emotional energy into the characters and plot, creating a strong emotional connection. Catharsis allows for the safe discharge of this emotional energy, preventing it from turning into unhealthy fixation.

Example: In Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," the tragic fate of Blanche DuBois allows the audience to release the emotional tension built up throughout the play, while also reflecting on the themes of illusion and reality.

 

Aesthetic Pleasure:

Function: Catharsis contributes to the aesthetic pleasure of the drama. The emotional journey of the characters and the resolution of the plot create a satisfying and meaningful experience for the audience.

Example: In Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House," the cathartic resolution of Nora's struggles provides a sense of closure and aesthetic satisfaction for the audience.

 

Social Commentary:

Function: Catharsis can be used to comment on societal issues and norms. The emotional impact of the drama can serve as a vehicle for exploring and critiquing social, political, or moral themes.

Example: In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the tragic events that unfold among the animals on the farm provide a cathartic experience that prompts reflection on power dynamics and corruption in society.

 

In summary, catharsis in drama serves as a powerful tool for engaging the audience emotionally, promoting reflection, and contributing to the overall impact and meaning of the work.