Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello - profound self-awareness attained too late.
Catharsis #
Which Shakespeare’s characters indulged inexplicable actions while grappling with self-awareness? #
Indeed, William Shakespeare crafted numerous complex characters, some of whom exhibit a profound lack of self-awareness, leading to their engagement in inexplicable or irrational actions. One prominent example is Hamlet, the protagonist of the play “Hamlet.”
Hamlet #
Character Analysis:
Lack of Self-Awareness:
Hamlet often grapples with his identity and purpose. Throughout the play, he vacillates between various states of mind, displaying uncertainty about his motivations and the nature of his actions.
Inexplicable Actions:
Hamlet’s behavior is erratic and often contradictory. For instance, he oscillates between inaction and impulsivity. His famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” reflects his existential doubt and inability to commit to a course of action, which ultimately leads to his procrastination in avenging his father’s murder.
He feigns madness, a decision that blurs the line between reality and pretense, causing confusion among other characters and contributing to a series of tragic events, including the accidental killing of Polonius.
King Lear #
Another significant example is King Lear from the play “King Lear.”
Character Analysis:
Lack of Self-Awareness:
Lear’s journey begins with his failure to understand his own nature and the true nature of his daughters. He misjudges their characters based on superficial expressions of love and loyalty, leading to disastrous consequences.
Inexplicable Actions:
Lear’s decision to divide his kingdom based on flattery rather than merit is an irrational action stemming from his lack of self-awareness. This act sets off a chain of events leading to political chaos and personal tragedy.
As the play progresses, Lear descends into madness, a state where his actions become increasingly erratic and inexplicable. His behavior on the heath, where he rages against the storm, symbolizes his internal turmoil and disconnection from reality.
Othello #
Othello, the Moor of Venice, from “Othello,” also embodies this theme.
Character Analysis:
Lack of Self-Awareness:
Othello’s fundamental insecurity about his identity and worth, exacerbated by his outsider status as a Moor in Venetian society, makes him susceptible to manipulation.
Inexplicable Actions:
His quick descent into jealousy and rage, spurred by Iago’s insinuations, leads him to act irrationally and violently. Othello’s inability to see through Iago’s deceit or to trust Desdemona, despite her proven loyalty, culminates in the tragic murder of his innocent wife and his own subsequent suicide.
In Shakespeare’s oeuvre, characters like Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello exemplify individuals whose lack of self-awareness precipitates a series of irrational and often tragic actions. These characters’ journeys underscore the theme of internal conflict and the catastrophic impact of misunderstanding oneself and others. Shakespeare masterfully portrays how self-deception and existential doubt can lead to a cascade of inexplicable decisions and irrevocable consequences.
Focusing on these three characters - did they eventually learn anything about themselves, possibly through catharsis? #
The concept of catharsis, originating from Aristotle’s “Poetics,” refers to the emotional purification or purgation experienced by the audience through the protagonist’s journey. In Shakespeare’s tragedies, characters often undergo profound self-discovery, albeit sometimes too late to alter their fates. Let’s explore how Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello experience this in their respective narratives.
Hamlet #
Self-Discovery and Catharsis:
Initial State:
Hamlet starts as a character plagued by existential doubt and uncertainty. His soliloquies reveal deep internal conflict and a struggle to understand his purpose and identity.
Journey of Self-Discovery:
Throughout the play, Hamlet’s interactions, especially with the ghost of his father, Ophelia, and his mother Gertrude, gradually strip away his indecision. His journey is marked by philosophical introspection and a search for truth.
Catharsis:
In the final act, Hamlet seems to reach a state of acceptance. His declaration, “The readiness is all,” suggests a recognition of the inevitability of fate and death. This realization brings him a sense of peace, albeit briefly, before the climactic duel.
Despite his tragic end, Hamlet’s awareness and acceptance of his mortality and purpose provide a cathartic resolution for the audience, witnessing his internal resolution.
King Lear #
Self-Discovery and Catharsis:
Initial State:
King Lear begins as a proud and egotistical monarch, oblivious to his flaws and the true natures of those around him.
Journey of Self-Discovery:
Lear’s journey into madness is a crucible of suffering that strips him of his kingly pretensions. His time spent wandering the heath and encountering Poor Tom (Edgar) exposes him to the raw and unadorned nature of human existence.
His reconciliation with Cordelia marks a poignant moment of clarity and humility, where he recognizes his folly and expresses genuine remorse.
Catharsis:
The cathartic moment for Lear comes in the tragic recognition of his mistakes and the fleeting reunion with Cordelia. His suffering and eventual death, cradling Cordelia’s lifeless body, underscore the profundity of his self-awareness and repentance.
For the audience, Lear’s tragic end serves as a powerful emotional release, as they witness his transformation from ignorance to insight.
Othello #
Self-Discovery and Catharsis:
Initial State:
Othello is introduced as a noble and honorable general, yet he harbors deep insecurities and a susceptibility to jealousy.
Journey of Self-Discovery:
Othello’s descent into jealousy, fueled by Iago’s manipulations, blinds him to reality. His interactions with Desdemona and Iago are pivotal in unraveling his trust and rationality.
The moment he kills Desdemona and then learns of her innocence and Iago’s treachery is his tragic epiphany.
Catharsis:
The cathartic moment for Othello comes when he comprehends the magnitude of his error and the irreversible consequences of his actions. His final speech reflects a profound self-awareness and remorse: “Then must you speak / Of one that loved not wisely but too well.”
Othello’s suicide is both a punishment and a release, encapsulating his acknowledgment of guilt and his desire to atone. For the audience, his self-recognition and subsequent death provide a powerful emotional purge.
In each of these tragedies, Shakespeare crafts a journey of self-discovery leading to catharsis. Hamlet’s philosophical acceptance of fate, Lear’s painful recognition of his folly, and Othello’s tragic realization of his misguided jealousy all culminate in moments of profound self-awareness. While these realizations come too late to save the characters, they offer the audience a cathartic experience, eliciting empathy, sorrow, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.
How does catharsis fit within the “monomyth”? #
The monomyth, or “The Hero’s Journey,” as conceptualized by Joseph Campbell, is a narrative framework that outlines the common stages and themes of heroic tales across different cultures and eras. Catharsis, the emotional release experienced by the audience through the protagonist’s journey, aligns with several key stages of the monomyth. Let’s explore how catharsis integrates within this framework:
The Monomyth Structure #
The monomyth typically comprises three main stages: Departure, Initiation, and Return. Each stage contains several sub-stages:
Departure:
The Call to Adventure: The hero is invited to leave their ordinary world and undertake a journey.
Refusal of the Call: Initially, the hero may resist the call to adventure.
Supernatural Aid: The hero receives help from a mentor or guide.
Crossing the First Threshold: The hero leaves the familiar world and enters a realm of adventure.
Belly of the Whale: The hero undergoes a transformative experience, signifying a point of no return.
Initiation:
The Road of Trials: The hero faces a series of challenges and trials.
Meeting with the Goddess: The hero experiences a significant, nurturing encounter.
Woman as Temptress: The hero faces temptations that may lead them astray.
Atonement with the Father: The hero reconciles with a figure of authority or their own inner conflicts.
Apotheosis: The hero reaches a state of enlightenment or understanding.
The Ultimate Boon: The hero achieves the goal of their quest.
Return:
Refusal of the Return: The hero may be reluctant to return to their ordinary world.
The Magic Flight: The hero faces challenges during their return journey.
Rescue from Without: The hero may need assistance to return.
Crossing the Return Threshold: The hero reintegrates into the ordinary world.
Master of Two Worlds: The hero achieves a balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Freedom to Live: The hero attains a new freedom or enlightenment.
Catharsis in the Monomyth #
Catharsis can be mapped to several critical points in the monomyth, particularly in the stages of Initiation and Return:
Belly of the Whale (Initiation):
This stage often represents a symbolic death and rebirth, where the hero undergoes a significant internal transformation. For the audience, this can be a moment of catharsis as they empathize with the hero’s profound change and the shedding of old selves.
Atonement with the Father (Initiation):
A critical moment where the hero confronts and reconciles with a powerful figure or internal conflict. This stage often involves deep emotional purging as the hero integrates disparate parts of their identity, leading to a cathartic experience for the audience.
Apotheosis (Initiation):
The hero achieves a higher state of understanding or enlightenment. This moment of revelation and clarity can provide a sense of catharsis as the audience witnesses the hero’s growth and newfound wisdom.
Ultimate Boon (Initiation):
Achieving the goal of the quest brings a sense of resolution and fulfillment. For the audience, this culmination of the hero’s trials and the attainment of their objective offers a powerful emotional release.
Crossing the Return Threshold (Return):
The hero’s reintegration into the ordinary world, armed with new knowledge and abilities, can be cathartic as it signifies the completion of their journey and the application of their insights.
Master of Two Worlds and Freedom to Live (Return):
The hero’s achievement of balance and new perspective often resonates deeply with the audience, providing a final cathartic release as the hero embodies the lessons learned and attains a state of peace or enlightenment.
Application to Shakespearean Tragedy #
In the context of Shakespearean tragedy, elements of the monomyth and catharsis are intertwined:
Hamlet’s Apotheosis and Atonement:
Hamlet’s realization of the inevitability of fate (“The readiness is all”) and his final actions in avenging his father reflect a state of enlightenment and reconciliation, providing catharsis for the audience.
King Lear’s Ultimate Boon and Apotheosis:
Lear’s recognition of his folly and his heartfelt reunion with Cordelia before their deaths serve as moments of profound self-awareness and emotional release.
Othello’s Atonement and Apotheosis:
Othello’s realization of his tragic error and his final act of taking responsibility through suicide offer a cathartic resolution as he reconciles with his inner demons and acknowledges the truth.
Catharsis fits within the monomyth by aligning with the stages where the hero undergoes significant emotional and psychological transformations. These moments of enlightenment, reconciliation, and realization are pivotal in providing the audience with an emotional purgation, enhancing the impact of the hero’s journey. In Shakespearean tragedies, these cathartic moments are intricately woven into the protagonists’ arcs, allowing the audience to experience a profound emotional journey alongside the characters.
Let us just make this clear - is the catharsis mostly an experience of the character, or an experience of the audience? #
Catharsis, as defined in Aristotelian terms, is primarily an experience of the audience. Aristotle introduced the concept in his work “Poetics,” where he described catharsis as the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. In the context of tragedy, this emotional release is typically achieved through the audience’s vicarious experience of the protagonist’s intense emotions and dramatic downfall.
Catharsis for the Audience #
Emotional Purging:
Definition: Catharsis refers to the emotional cleansing or purgation experienced by the audience as they empathize with the protagonist’s suffering and eventual downfall.
Mechanism: Through witnessing the protagonist’s journey, including their struggles, recognition of flaws, and ultimate fate, the audience undergoes a process of emotional engagement and release.
Purpose: This experience serves to evoke feelings of pity and fear, leading to a sense of relief and emotional renewal by the end of the play.
Catharsis for the Character #
While the primary focus of catharsis is on the audience’s emotional experience, the characters in tragedies often undergo significant personal revelations and transformations. These moments of self-awareness and enlightenment can be seen as a parallel to the audience’s cathartic experience, though they are not catharsis in the Aristotelian sense.
Character’s Experience:
Self-Discovery: Characters like Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello often experience moments of profound self-awareness and recognition of their own flaws and mistakes.
Transformation: These realizations lead to significant changes in their understanding and behavior, although they often come too late to prevent their tragic fates.
Example Analysis #
Hamlet:
Audience Catharsis: The audience experiences catharsis as they witness Hamlet’s existential struggles, his vacillation between action and inaction, and his ultimate acceptance of fate, culminating in his tragic death.
Character Revelation: Hamlet undergoes a personal journey of self-discovery, culminating in his famous acceptance of the inevitability of death and fate.
King Lear:
Audience Catharsis: The audience feels catharsis through Lear’s descent into madness, his tragic recognition of his own hubris and errors, and his poignant reunion with Cordelia.
Character Revelation: Lear’s journey involves a painful but enlightening process of self-awareness, leading to his tragic end but with a sense of personal reconciliation.
Othello:
Audience Catharsis: The audience experiences catharsis through the intense emotions of jealousy, betrayal, and remorse that culminate in Othello’s tragic realization of his mistake and subsequent suicide.
Character Revelation: Othello’s journey involves a harrowing self-discovery of his own vulnerabilities and the devastating consequences of his actions.
Catharsis is fundamentally an experience designed for the audience, providing them with an emotional purgation through the empathetic engagement with the characters’ tragedies. While characters themselves undergo significant personal revelations and transformations, these are distinct from the audience’s cathartic experience, though they contribute to the overall emotional impact of the narrative.