Theatre and Society - Term Paper Example

In “Poetics”, Aristotle paid attention to plot, which occupied the main attention; the soul of tragedy was a metaphor he used to express plot, as the principle that helped to shape actual tragedy from human action (Whalley et al 57). He discussed unity in “Poetics” as indicative of a good plot. New York by David Rimmer adheres to all three unity principles: unity of action, unity of time, and unity of place. The main action in the play is in a therapist’s office and it all occurs in a single day, which adheres to unity of place and time respectively.

In addition, all characters tell a personal story related to 9/11 and how it affects their lives, which adheres to the unity of action. A Street Car Named Desire adheres to two rules of unity: unity of place and action. The activity in the play exposes the play’s main theme with each scene having a story that grows apprehension and builds up the story’s tension, adhering to the unity of action. It begins by taking a detour from the main plot but as it progresses and shows Stanley’s aggressive and wild side.

The action is also confined in Stanley and Stella’s house, which adheres to the unity of place. Aristotle was also emphatic on the significance of feelings and emotions with tragedy affecting emotions to bring catharsis of these emotions of tragedy. Catharsis can be defined as the effect of purification of emotions, like fear or compassion, and the consequent sense of relief.It is the turning point where emotional intensity from the story’s events peaks, followed by relief. . A Street Car Named Desire adheres to two rules of unity: unity of place and action.

The activity in the play exposes the play’s main theme with each scene having a story that grows apprehension and builds up the story’s tension, adhering to the unity of action. It begins by taking a detour from the main plot but as it progresses and shows Stanley’s aggressive and wild side. The action is also confined in Stanley and Stella’s house, which adheres to the unity of place. Aristotle was also emphatic on the significance of feelings and emotions with tragedy affecting emotions to bring catharsis of these emotions of tragedy.

Catharsis can be defined as the effect of purification of emotions, like fear or compassion, and the consequent sense of relief (Whalley et al 74). It is the turning point where emotional intensity from the story’s events peaks, followed by relief. In New York, this was reached in the conversation by the psychiatrist and the detective. The emotional peak is where the psychiatrist understands his emotions followed by a sense of relief when he remembers the victim’s name after a long time with joy.

In A Street Car Named Desire, Blanche and Mitch are on a date and she reveals how her husband committed suicide. In this one instance, she is free and liberated from her delusions causing feelings of compassion from the audience who expects a successful conclusion. Everything flips over when she discloses her lies. Catharsis is a vital part of the plays in increasing tension. Aristotle also noted harmatia in tragedy construction (Whalley et al 88), which is present in A Streetcar Named Desire.

The main character aiming to achieve a desirable goal normally ends up miserable because of