Retelling the War of Troy: Tragedy, Emotions, and Catharsis

Type:

Book Chapter

Author:

Sofía Frade

Published:

2022

Attic tragedy, catharsis, and emotions are closely intertwined. In this chapter I will argue that the framework of emotion studies can help us shed some light on Aristotle’s concept of catharsis. Furthermore, I will explore how an analysis of focalization helps us to understand how tragic micro-narratives are used (1) to communicate the emotions of the characters and (2) to create emotions in the audience. Such narratives allow the construction of an empathic relationship that, ultimately, evokes the fear and pity on which catharsis relies. Case studies are four micro-narratives of the Trojan war in Euripidean tragedy (three from the Trojan Women and one from Helen).

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