Similarities between Du Shiniang’s And Tess’ Tragic Fates.doc

Similarities between Du Shiniang’s And Tess’ Tragic Fates 1. Introduction Poetics is one of the most important works created by Aristotle. From Chapter 6 to Chapter 22, it concentrates mainly on tragedy. Until now, Aristotle’s tragic theory in Poetics still plays a significant role in artistic creation. Du Shiniang and Tess are two tragic characters that we know very well. Although they were written by authors coming from different countries, different social systems, and different times, they share many similarities, such as social status, sufferings, characters and causes for their tragic fates. Combined with Aristotle’s tragic theory, this paper is just to compare these similarities shared between Du Shiniang and Tess so that the readers can have a better understanding of the two characters and their tragic fates. The Definition of Tragedy In Poetics, Aristotle lays down a definition for tragedy. He points out that tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions. (张中载, 2002:40) 1.2 The Main Idea of Du Shiniang and Tess According to Aristotle’s definition, tragedy is an imitation of an action that is complete. The story of Du Shiniang is complete. At the beginning of the story, Shiniang meets with Li Jia and they are in love with each other, living together in Jiaofangsi, a brothel. In the middle, Li Jia buys back the freedom of Shiniang and leaves the brothel. On the way, Li Jia wants to sell Shiniang to Sun Fu. At the end of the story, Shiniang commits suicide by jumping into a river with all her treasures. Compared with Du Shiniang, Tess also has a complete story. In the beginning, Tess is seduced by Alec D’Urbervilles. In the middle, Tess meets with Angel Clare and they fall in lov