The Use of Catharsis in 'Titus Andronicus' Kristen Mitchell College

In his tragedy Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare successfully engages his audience in a variety of emotions. Although these emotions are often negative, they still provide a cathartic release for the reader. Catharsis is defined as “a sudden emotional breakdown or climax that constitutes overwhelming feelings of great sorrow, pity, laughter or any extreme change in emotion that results in the restoration, renewal, and revitalization for living”. Aristotle was correct in his argument that tragedy creates powerful emotions that “cleanse” the heart of the viewer. Plays, just like every other form of entertainment, distract us from our daily lives. We, as the audience, relate to and connect with the characters because on some subconscious level we see ourselves in them. As they experience problems and emotions, so do we. Once their troubles are resolved, we too feel satisfied. It gives us the sense that our lives aren’t so bad because it could always be worse.

The term catharsis was originated by Aristotle in his writing Poetics. It has now become a major instrument in the production and analysis of tragic drama (Kruse 162). According to Aristotle, catharsis occurs when dramatic action causes pity or fear and produces the same reaction...