Ibsens Ghosts Vs. Aristotles Poetics Essay -- essays research papers

Ibsens Ghosts, although a relatively modern drama, maintains many classicalelements of tragedy as defined by Aristotle and champi matchlessd by the ancient Greekplaywrights and poets. One element of displayed prominently in this case is graphic symbol. Aristotle believed that there were four main elements to a good tragic hero1) the character must be good, 2) decorum, 3) the character must be true to life, and4) constancy within the characters demeanor and actions. The tragic hero in IbsensGhosts, Mrs. Alving, fits into these criterion, yet Ibsen overly strays from Aristotlesconventions. The character will be good if the purpose is good. (pg. 27), according toPoetics. Ibsen attempts to create a good character in Mrs. Alving. Although shemakes many mistakes and her judgments lead to the final tragedy her intentionsare good. Yes, I was swayed by duty and consideration for others that was why Ilied to my watchword day in and day out. (Ghosts pg. 29) She loves and wants to protecther son and to do so she feels she must shelter him from the truths of his father. Iwant my boy to be happy, that is all I want. Mrs. Alvings goal is to purge herself andher loved ones from the past and the guilt which she feels for hiding the sins of herhusband and therefore her family name. I had been taught about duty, and the sort ofthing that I believed in so long here. Everything seemed to deliberate upon duty-- my duty,or his duty-- and I am afraid I made your poor fathers home unbearabl...