Aristotle was a 4th century Greek philosopher known for his intellectual works on matters such as philosophy, ethics, history, and most famously Poetics. In Poetics, Aristotle discusses topics such as the elements of tragedy, the act of imitation, and catharsis, or purgation and cleansing of oneself through tragedy. Although only bits and pieces of his works have survived, his ideas and analysis on tragedy still ring true today and Poetics remains one of the most influential texts when it comes to dramatic literature. Although not distinctly defined, Aristotle suggests that catharsis is the act of purging or cleansing oneself of pity and fear by watching tragedy. Aristotle even considered catharsis medicinal, since it is purification of the body and emotions (Poetics). Actors today are taught that emotion is a by-product of action, and that it doesn’t necessarily matter if the actor truly feels that pity or fear (or whatever emotion they are supposed to be feeling), rather it matters that the audience feels it and believes that the actor actually feels it. If the audience believes that the actor feels it, it becomes more real and allows the audience to indulge and share in those moments of truly feeling. That is why Aristotle’s thoughts on catharsis regarding tragedy are still prevalent when it comes to 21st century drama, making his theories and ideas from Poetics timeless and universally applicable. People experience cathartic moments all the time, and by their choosing.
