As an AP lit student sometimes I struggle with defining what a tragedy actually means. But in The Tragic Fallacy by Joseph Krutch, we learn key components of what does not make a tragedy. For example, Aristotle argued that tragic experiences can only occur to the noble. However, this argument has been shot down by many literary scholars, including Krutch. "...no one knows what a noble action is or whether or not such a thing as nobility exists in nature apart from the the mind of man." A noble title or action is almost too vague for readers because tragedies are relative to everyone. If it tragedies are only reserved for the noble, then works of tragedy would simply not be popular. Authors and play writers must encapsulate the audience with relatable trials similar to their lives.
The quote in this piece that struck me the most was when Krutch wrote "A tragic writer does not have to believe in God, but he must believe in man." From an atheistic perspective, I concur. In paragraphs before this quote, Krutch goes into depth on how tragedies do not necessarily mean darkness and despair. They bring bliss from the achievement of overcoming and saving ourselves. This is where believing in man comes in: as humans we have to strive to help others through any tragic experience that cross their path. We have to remain faithful that man will overcome. If anything tragedies are something to celebrate when thinking from Krutch's interpretation.
The quote in this piece that struck me the most was when Krutch wrote "A tragic writer does not have to believe in God, but he must believe in man." From an atheistic perspective, I concur. In paragraphs before this quote, Krutch goes into depth on how tragedies do not necessarily mean darkness and despair. They bring bliss from the achievement of overcoming and saving ourselves. This is where believing in man comes in: as humans we have to strive to help others through any tragic experience that cross their path. We have to remain faithful that man will overcome. If anything tragedies are something to celebrate when thinking from Krutch's interpretation.