Aristotles Conception of Catharsis

Aristotle used the term 'catharsis' while defining tragedy. He used it in connection
with the emotional effect of the tragedy on the spectators. Thus for Aristotle,
catharsis means the effect or the function of tragedy.

There are three common interpretations of catharsis. They are 'purgation,

purification and clarification'.

1-The purgation theory: A Homeopathic Cure

The term Catharsis has been interpreted in medical terms, meaning purgation. In
medical terms (especially in the older sense), purgation meant the partial removal
of excess humours. The health of the body depended on a true balance of the
humours. Thus purgation of the emotions of pity and fear does not mean the
removal of these emotions, but that the passions or emotions are reduced to a
healthy, balanced proportion.

2-

One meaning of Catharsis is purification. Some critics have interpreted the term
in the light of this meaning.. Catharsis is a kind of moral conditioning, which the
spectator undergoes. Catharsis involves not only the idea of emotional relief, but
the further idea of purifying the emotions to be relieved.

3- The Clarification Theory: Neither the Purgation Theory nor the Purification
Theory examines the whole thing. They are occupied with the psychology of the
audience. According to the clarification theory, catharsis becomes an indication of
the function of tragedy, and not of its emotional effect on audience. It leads to an
understanding of the universal law that governs the universe. Catharsis thus turns
to be an intellectual process.

Some Other Interpretations:

Apart from these commonly accepted explanations, there are some other theories
also. Some critics tried to give the psychological interpretation of catharsis.

A- S. H. Butcher regards it as a refining process. He thinks that tragedy provides a

process of reforming lower type of emotions into the refined ones.

B-Another critic, Herbert Read considers catharsis to be a safety valve that

provides outlet to excess emotions. It results in the feeling of emotional relief.

C- I. A. Richards considers 'Pity as an emotion to approach, whereas fear is an

emotion to retreat or withdraw. Tragedy brings these opposite emotions
harmoniously together. It creates a balance, equilibrium of mind.