Purposes

Abstract

Of all the various points raised in this book, perhaps the most tricky is that concerning the fundamental aim of tragedy. Now discussion here and later cannot claim to limit itself neatly to self-contained chapters; there is bound to be overlapping between subjects. Indeed such continuing discussion may be no bad thing, for it can help to emphasise the interdependence of the various component parts of a tragedy and the factors which have a bearing on its success. Nor can the treatment claim to be exhaustive; no one can explain different people’s responses to a play or adequately define the enjoyment they, as individuals, should or do get out of it.