Write Philoctetes essay (proficiency/voluntary)
Due Friday
Notes for Eurolit 10/2/18
Freedom vs. Happiness
Why don’t we want that freedom? We tend towards herd
mentality because not that many people want the freedom to choose for
themselves.
We fear alienation or ostracism. It is human nature to be a
social being. If we don’t have society it irreparably damages us.
How can we prove this is a tragedy? By proving that
Philoctetes is a tragic hero. We can show this by demonstrating that he follows
the 5-part pattern of the tragic hero. It builds upon the Homeric Pattern
(arête, hubris, ate, anagnorisis, nemesis).
Anagnorisis is moment of recognition that the hero experiences after
they have commited ate, but it is too late to circumvent their nemesis.
According to Aristotle, the reader/viewer experiences the
tragic hero’s emotions vicariously. This leads to a catharsis, or the arousal
of feelings of pity and horror.
Predetermination vs. Freedom
Why does Philoctetes choose not to do what is in his best
interest? What motivates human beings beyond anything else? Even beyond fear of
the unknown? Isolation. Philoctetes nemesis is that he will never be happy
again.
Why is Philoctetes a tragedy?
-Deus ex machine underscores the theme (takes away
Philoctete’s freedom)
-Philoctetes actions prove he’s a tragic hero
- eucatastrophe
Philoctetes makes the wrong decisions and depends on deus ex
machine to be happy.
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