In his article, "The Tragic Fallacy," Krutch evaluates the definition of tragedy in literature and shows us how we can relate to it. He begins by discussing the search for a true definition of tragedy. Hundreds of years ago, Aristotle defined tragedy as the "imitation of noble actions," but Krutch argues that this does not accurately describe tragedy because we cannot define nobility. Tragedy may be a "representation of actions considered noble," but no one truly knows what nobility is or if it even exists apart from each person's different interpretation of it.
Krutch continues his examination of the definition of tragedy, discussing the idea that works of tragedy have happy endings, even if they are not apparent. The different ways in which the arts, comedy, drama, melodrama, solve problems and create positive outcomes from tragedy are compared to that of the most difficult of the arts, tragedy. Krutch assures us that although tragedy cannot use any of the same methods that the other arts use, it reaches its own happy ending in its own unique way. For example, Juliet's death in Romeo and Juliet is a tragic, "outward defeat" that may prevent us from seeing the "inward victories" that are revealed. Although Juliet dies, she shows a great lesson to the reader of the power of love.
Ultimately, "The Tragic Fallacy" shows us the confidence and value of human nature that tragic authors share. Tragic works show the strength, courage, and strong will of man in how man is able to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Even though tragedy is associated with sadness and loss, it is also empowered by a sense of hope and faith in the strength of humanity.
Krutch continues his examination of the definition of tragedy, discussing the idea that works of tragedy have happy endings, even if they are not apparent. The different ways in which the arts, comedy, drama, melodrama, solve problems and create positive outcomes from tragedy are compared to that of the most difficult of the arts, tragedy. Krutch assures us that although tragedy cannot use any of the same methods that the other arts use, it reaches its own happy ending in its own unique way. For example, Juliet's death in Romeo and Juliet is a tragic, "outward defeat" that may prevent us from seeing the "inward victories" that are revealed. Although Juliet dies, she shows a great lesson to the reader of the power of love.
Ultimately, "The Tragic Fallacy" shows us the confidence and value of human nature that tragic authors share. Tragic works show the strength, courage, and strong will of man in how man is able to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Even though tragedy is associated with sadness and loss, it is also empowered by a sense of hope and faith in the strength of humanity.