Question: Discuss the reasons of superiority of tragedy over epic poetry.

Introduction

According to Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC), tragedy is superior than epic. In his “Poetics” chapter no. 26, he shows sundry distinct characteristics of epic and tragedy. By the description, he tries to prove that tragedy is superior than epic in a logical manner. Here, we are going to discuss the reasons of superiority of tragedy over epic poetry.

Medium of representation

Tragedy and epic poetry are different in respect of medium of representation. Tragedies have been presented in action. On the other hand, epic poems have been presented in narrative style. That means tragedy is represented in dramatic mode and epic is represented in narrated mode. Aristotle says for tragedy that:

“Tragedy is representation of an action that is worth serious attention,….”

He says for epic in the following manner:

“The art of representation in the form of narrative verse……”

Because of length

In tragedy, there is a rule that the story has been finished in 24 hours. The audience get same interest in short time. On the other hand, in epic poem there is no rule for time. To get same interest, sometime the audience need more time for epic. That means the length of epic is long than tragedy. So, tragedy is superior than epic in respect of length. Aristotle says for tragedy that:

“Tragedy tries as far as possible to keep within a single revolving of the sun, or only slightly to exceed it.”

He says for epic that:

“…. Whereas the epic observes no limit in its time of action­­­­”

Plot construction

Plot construction is common in epic and tragedy. Loose plot construction is common in tragedy but normally, loose plot construction is not used in epic poem. So, tragedy is superior than epic for plot construction.

More Notes of Criticism

Purgation of emotion

Purgation of emotion is fulfilled by tragedy. Because there is acting for the story. Tragedy appeals to our mind, ear and eye as well. On the other hand, epic poem appeals to our mind and ear only. Full pity and fear are being exposed in tragedy. For this reason, purgation of emotion has been fulfilled in tragedy.

Formative elements

Tragedy has six formative elements: plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle and song. On the other hand, epic poem has only four formative elements: plot, character, thought and diction. Here, spectacle and song are absent. So, all the elements of epic poem have in tragedy but epic has lack of two elements of tragedy. Tragedy provides more pleasure than epic for its formative elements. So, tragedy is superior than epic in respect of pleasure. Aristotle says in chapter no. 5 that:

“All the elements of an epic are included in tragedy; but those of Tragedy are not all of them to be found in the Epic.”

Because of dramatic irony

Dramatic irony means the audience know what will be happened after current action but the current characters do not know. Dramatic irony is available in tragedy. On the other hand, dramatic irony is not available in same way. Usually, next narration has been exposed by the speaker in epic poem.

Conclusion

In short, in the light of the above discussion we can firmly say that Aristotle rightly says that tragedy is superior than epic poetry. This is acceptable for some special qualities of tragedy.