Bridge Course: Aristotle's Poetics

This blog is written as a task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir

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1.To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections.

Answer :

Plato’s Objection to Freedom of Expression and Artistic Liberty:

Plato, in his seminal work The Republic, argued that artistic expression should be censored because it can negatively influence people’s emotions and behavior. He believed that art should promote moral and virtuous behavior, and anything that doesn’t align with these values should be restricted. Plato was particularly concerned about the impact of poetry and drama on the youth, fearing that they might imitate the immoral actions depicted in these works.

Extent of Agreement with Plato’s Objections

While Plato’s concerns about the moral and emotional impact of art are valid to some extent, modern perspectives on freedom of expression and artistic liberty often differ significantly. Today, many argue that art should challenge societal norms and provoke thought, even if it depicts controversial or uncomfortable subjects. However, there is also a recognition of the need for responsible portrayal, especially when it comes to sensitive topics.

Contemporary Bollywood Examples

Based on Plato’s objections, here are some Bollywood movies that could be justifiably objected to and potentially banned:

Moral and Ethical Concerns

Kabir Singh (2019): Criticized for its portrayal of toxic masculinity and abusive behavior, which could be seen as promoting immoral behavior. The film’s protagonist engages in violent and controlling behavior, which has sparked debates about its impact on societal norms.

Emotional Influence

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): Contains graphic violence and intense scenes that could stir up harmful emotions and desensitize viewers to violence. The film’s depiction of gang wars and brutality can have a strong emotional impact on the audience.

Imitation and Deception

Baahubali: The Beginning (2015): This film creates an exaggerated and unrealistic portrayal of historical and mythological elements, which could mislead viewers about reality. Its grandiose settings and larger-than-life characters contribute to a fantastical narrative.

Dhoom 3 (2013): Features elaborate heists and stunts that defy the laws of physics, creating a deceptive and unrealistic portrayal of action and crime. The film’s depiction of technology and human capabilities can mislead viewers about what is possible in real life.

Educational Impact

Student of the Year (2012): Portrays a glamorous and unrealistic view of high school life, which might not be suitable for younger audiences and could negatively influence their expectations and values. The film’s focus on luxury and competition can create unrealistic aspirations.

Philosophical Dominance

PK (2014): Questions religious beliefs and practices, which could be seen as challenging societal norms and stirring up emotions. The film’s satirical take on religion and its practices can provoke strong reactions from different sections of society.

OMG: Oh My God! (2012): This satirical comedy-drama critiques blind faith and the commercialization of religion. The protagonist, Kanji Lalji Mehta, sues God after his shop is destroyed by an earthquake, leading to a courtroom drama that questions religious practices and the role of religious leaders12.

Historical Movies

Padmaavat (2018): Controversial for its portrayal of historical events and characters, which could be seen as distorting historical facts. The film faced protests and legal challenges due to its depiction of Queen Padmavati and historical events.

Jodhaa Akbar (2008): Faced objections for historical inaccuracies. The film’s portrayal of the relationship between Emperor Akbar and Jodhaa Bai was criticized for not aligning with historical records.

Bajirao Mastani (2015): Criticized for distorting historical facts. The film’s depiction of the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao and his relationship with Mastani sparked debates about its historical accuracy.

Panipat (2019): Received backlash for misrepresenting history. The film’s portrayal of the Third Battle of Panipat and its characters led to objections from certain communities.

2. Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that followed the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).

Answer:

Texts Following the Aristotelian Literary Tradition:

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Reason: Follows the Aristotelian concept of tragedy with a tragic hero (King Lear) who has a hamartia (his pride and blindness to the truth). The play evokes catharsis in the audience through the intense emotional journey and downfall of Lear.

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Reason: Adheres to Aristotelian principles with a tragic hero (Brutus) whose hamartia (his idealism and naivety) leads to his downfall. The plot follows a clear chain of cause and effect, and the play aims to evoke catharsis.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Reason: Follows the Aristotelian tradition with Willy Loman as the tragic hero whose hamartia (his delusions and misplaced values) leads to his downfall. The play evokes catharsis through the emotional impact of Willy’s struggles and ultimate demise.

3.Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).

Answer:

Texts Not Following the Aristotelian Literary Tradition:

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Reason: Does not follow the traditional structure of a tragedy. It is more of a social critique and comedy, focusing on themes of transformation and social class rather than evoking catharsis through a tragic hero’s downfall.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Reason: Employs a non-linear narrative and focuses on themes of memory, trauma, and identity rather than a structured tragic plot with a clear tragic hero.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Reason: An allegory and satire rather than a traditional tragedy. It critiques political systems and human nature without following the Aristotelian structure of a tragic hero and catharsis.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Reason: A complex exploration of colonialism and human nature, with a fragmented narrative and ambiguous moral conclusions.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Reason: A dystopian allegory exploring inherent evil in human nature and societal breakdown without a clear tragic hero or structured plot leading to catharsis.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Reason: Employs a non-linear narrative and focuses on themes of forbidden love, social discrimination, and family dynamics. Does not follow the Aristotelian structure of a tragedy.

Naga-Mandala by Girish Karnad

Reason: Blends folklore and contemporary issues, focusing on themes of gender and identity. Does not adhere to the Aristotelian principles of tragedy and catharsis.

4.Have you studied any tragedies during your B.A. program? Who was/were the tragic protagonist(s) in those tragedies? What was their 'hamartia'?

Answer:

Tragic Protagonists and Their Hamartia:

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Tragic Protagonist: King Lear

Hamartia: His pride and inability to see the true nature of his daughters.

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Tragic Protagonist: Brutus

Hamartia: His idealism and naivety.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Tragic Protagonist: Willy Loman

Hamartia: His delusions and misplaced values.

5. Did the plots of those tragedies follow the necessary rules and regulations proposed by Aristotle? (e.g., chain of cause and effect, principle of probability and necessity, harmonious arrangement of incidents, complete, certain magnitude, unity of action, etc.)

Answer:

Aristotelian Rules in Tragedies:

King Lear and Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Reason: Both plays follow the necessary rules and regulations proposed by Aristotle, including a chain of cause and effect, the principle of probability and necessity, and unity of action.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Reason: Adheres to many Aristotelian principles, including a structured plot and the evocation of catharsis through the protagonist’s downfall.

Nirja's Journey

        Nirja's Journey 

             

 This morning, as I was about to leave, a familiar voice greeted me from behind, "Hey Nirja, how are you? Happy 30th birthday." It was Vrinda. I turned around, smiling, "Hey Vrinda, thank you. I'm doing well, how about you?" Vrinda suggested, "Let's go to the temple of Ramdev Pir and sit. Our old friends are already there."

Neerja: “So much has changed. A new temple has been built, and new idols of gods have been consecrated. When I first came here, there was only the idol of Ramdevpir.”

Varinda: “Yes, now the idol of Rameshwar Mahadev has also been consecrated. A small temple for Kalbhairav Dada has been built. Every year, the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami takes place. Small trees have been planted next to the temple, adding to its beauty.”

Neerja: “And there’s been so much development at the Bapa Sitaram shrine nearby too.”

Varinda: “Yes, there’s the Bapa Sitaram shrine, Hanumanji temple, Mahadev temple, and Bahuchar Mata temple. In the evenings, children come to play there. A new platform has been built for birds to feed and drink water. At night, aarti is performed at both places, creating a joyful and devotional atmosphere. People celebrate all festivals together in harmony, without any discrimination. Everyone works together as well.”

As Nirja and Vrinda walked towards the temple, they were met with a lively scene. The temple grounds were decorated with beautiful colors, and there was a lot of activity around. The air was filled with the pleasant scent of incense and prayers.

They spotted their old friends waiting for them, and they greeted each other warmly. They caught up on each other's lives, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere was joyful and filled with friendship as they enjoyed being together in the peaceful setting of the temple.

Nirja asked her friends, "How's everyone?"

Raaghav noticed her mood and said, "Nirja, it's your birthday. Why do you seem down?"

"Just remembering some things from the past," Nirja replied sadly.

Varaa, concerned, asked, "What happened in the past that's bothering you now?"

Nirja hesitated before saying, "It's a long story."

Her friends assured her, "We're here to listen."

Taking a deep breath, Nirja began her tale.

"Once, we were a big family, living happily together," she started. "But then, everything changed. My grandfather decided we should live separately, so we moved. My father worked hard for us, but my mother, who was disabled, struggled."

"Then," Nirja continued, her voice quivering, "my mother died when I was just seven. Before I could understand what happened, my father remarried. My stepmother cared for me like her own, but then one day, both she and my father were gone."

"I became an orphan," Nirja concluded, her heart heavy with the weight of her past. “I went to live with my uncle. When I was twelve, I was sexually abused by a distant uncle, but I couldn’t tell anyone. I left home and went to live in a hostel. 

After completing grade 12, I decided to go to college. In college, I befriended a boy named Shrikant. Over time, our friendship turned into love.”                   

 

She continued with a sob, “I loved Shrikant with all my heart. But he took advantage of my love. He started a business selling alcohol, creating nude photos, and blackmailing girls, which I didn’t know about. When I found out, I left him and filed a police complaint. But the police didn’t pay attention to the case because of greed for money. Since then, I’ve been living alone and working as a social worker. When I turned 20, I found out that my mother had committed suicide because of my father’s affair. My father had a love marriage, but my stepmother’s family didn’t like it, so they killed them both.”

Vrinda, touched by Nirja's story, spoke up, her voice filled with empathy. "Nirja, your journey has been filled with pain and challenges. It's truly heart-wrenching to hear. But despite everything, you've chosen to dedicate your life to helping others as a social worker. That's incredibly commendable."

She continued, her words a testament to Nirja's resilience, "Your story is an inspiration to us all. It shows that even in the darkest of times, there's hope and courage to move forward. I'm truly sorry for all you've been through, but I salute your bravery and perseverance."

Vrinda's words shifted to a message of support and celebration, "Even though today is your birthday and you're feeling sad about your past, remember that your friends are here with you. We want to celebrate with you and help you start a new chapter in your life. Knowing that you have us by your side should bring you joy."

She concluded with warm wishes for Nirja's future, "Your story and your courage inspire everyone around you. Happy birthday, Nirja. May your future be filled with brightness and happiness."

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