Abstract
The word dramatic: Back to AristotleExpressions such as dramatic portrayal, dramatic action or dramatic scene frequently occur in works discussing drama. What is, however, meant by the word dramatic? Do we fully appreciate its meaning as it was meant to be understood by Aristotle in his Ars Poetica? Commencing from Aristotle's definition of tragedy and his ensuing discussion of its elements, the wide spectrum of meaning of the word dramatic is illustrated. The aspects touched upon are the following: the functionality of information, conflict, complication, suspense, turning point, tragic flaw, catharsis and pathos. The identification with protagonist and antagonist is discussed, as well as the relevance of character portrayal for the action. Graphic, exciting and moving descriptions form part of dramatic portrayal, and so do the monologue, the speech and dialogue, finally, the word dramatic may he defined in terms of emotions evoked, while dramatic action mostly comprises a timeless universal truth.
Highlights
The w ord dramatic: Back to A ristotle. Expressions such as dramatic portrayal, dramatic action or dramatic scene frequently occur in works discussing drama
M eant by the word dramatic? Do ii't' fu lly appreciate its m eaning as it was m eant to be understood by Aristotle in his A rs Poetica'^ Comm encing fro m Aristot le 's definition o f tragedy and his ensuing discussion o f its elements, the wide spectrum o f meaning o f the word dramatic is illustrated
Graphic, exciting and moving descriptions form part o f dramatic portrayal, and so do the mono logue, the .speech and dialogue, fin a lly, the word dram atic m ay he defined in terms o f emotions evoked, while dramatic action mostly comprises a timeless universal truth
Summary
Slaan mens 'n boek, 'n tydskrif o f 'n dagblad oop waarin 'n kritiese evaluering verskyn van 'n drama o f van 'n roman, 'n novelle, 'n kortverliaai, o f selfs van 'n film o f 'n video-opname, is dit opvallend hoe dikwels uitdrukkings soos dramatie.se uitbeelding, dramaliese sitm sie, dramatiesc toneel o f dramatie.se Handeling^ gebruik word. Intuïtief aangevoel, maar die vraag bly watter ryke verskeidenheid betekenisse daar opgesluit lê in dié woord wat vandag so los en vas gebruik word, ook wanneer dit gaan oor werke wat allemiins drama is o f wil wees. Die defíniëring van literêre terme soos drama en tragedie is geen maklike taak nie. Dis bepaaid makliker en veiliger om definisies met al hul beperkinge te vermy: die paar dinge wat Aristoteies oor tragedie te sê gehad het, is tog algemeen bekend - moet net nie gaan hare kloof nie, veral nie waar dit dalk kan torring aan vooropgesette menings nie. Die iiterêre kritikus mag hom egter nie verlaat op sulke algemeenliede nie en wanneer die begrip dramatics ontleed word, is daar geen ander keuse nie as om opnuut te gaan kers opsteek by Aristoteies
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