Discuss how Elizabethan tragedy departs from Aristotelian formulations of tragedy. In what ways do these deviations enrich the Elizabethan drama (MEG 103) (RISE OF ELIZABETHAN COMEDY AND TRAGEDY)

Elizabethan tragedy, which includes the works of playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, departs from Aristotelian formulations of tragedy in several significant ways. While Aristotelian tragedy emphasizes the importance of a tragic hero and a well-constructed plot, Elizabethan drama often explores more complex themes and incorporates elements that go beyond the traditional Aristotelian framework. These deviations from Aristotle's ideas of tragedy enrich Elizabethan drama in several ways.

One of the key ways in which Elizabethan tragedy departs from Aristotelian formulations is in its exploration of character. While Aristotle emphasized the importance of the tragic hero, Elizabethan drama often portrays a wider range of characters, with more complex motivations and psychological depth. For example, in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the protagonist's tragic flaw is not a simple character trait like pride, but a complex mix of grief, rage, and indecision. This departure from Aristotle's idea of a clear-cut tragic hero allows Elizabethan drama to explore a wider range of human experiences and emotions, and creates more nuanced and complex characters that are more relatable to audiences.

Another way in which Elizabethan tragedy departs from Aristotelian formulations is in its exploration of morality and the nature of the universe. While Aristotle believed that the universe was essentially ordered and just, Elizabethan drama often explores the darker and more chaotic aspects of human existence. For example, in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the play's central character is driven to madness and despair by his own ambition, and the play ultimately suggests that there may be no ultimate justice or order in the universe. This departure from Aristotle's idea of a just and ordered universe allows Elizabethan drama to explore more complex and challenging themes, and to offer a more nuanced and realistic view of human nature.

Finally, Elizabethan tragedy often incorporates elements that go beyond the traditional Aristotelian framework, such as supernatural elements, musical interludes, and comic relief. These elements help to enrich the drama by adding variety and complexity to the narrative, and by allowing the playwright to explore a wider range of themes and ideas.

In conclusion, while Elizabethan tragedy departs from Aristotelian formulations in several significant ways, these deviations serve to enrich the drama by allowing for a more complex exploration of character, morality, and the nature of the universe. By exploring these themes in greater depth and with more nuance than traditional Aristotelian tragedy, Elizabethan drama offers a more compelling and realistic view of human nature, and continues to be relevant and resonant to modern audiences.