Aristotle developed a strong theory about tragedy plays. He was constantly imagining what makes a good play, a bad one, or a great one and the differences between each. In his treatise known as "Poetics" he says a play must be an imitation of a very serious action of a certain magnitude. He goes on to say the language of the play should have "artistic ornament" and should contain situations which inspire pity and fear; and an eventual catharsis of these emotions. He also found fictional plays to be more powerful than historical plays because fiction depicts events with could happen at any time or place, therefore it is easier for the viewer to envision themselves in similar sequence of events. There are many other ideas involved, but the final one I will mention here is the tragedy involves a character falling from grace. A noble character who commits unthinkable acts and his life is changed permanently as a result.
While reading The London Merchant I found many similarities to this ancient format but one really important twist.
As we mentioned in class yesterday some of the language Barnwell and other characters use is highly uncharacteristic. Barnwell says "The dead have risen, and parched rocks poured forth a liquid stream to quench a people's thirst... But never yet did time, once past, return." This is evidence of Aristotle's idea of "artistic ornament" and in this particular case is used when the speaker is under extreme emotional stress, inspiring pity in the audience. The character of Millwood inspires fear. Definitely in the other characters: "Her barbarity to Barnwell makes me hate her... I did not think her or myself so wicked as I find, upon reflection, we are." It's reasonable to assume the audience also feels this fear as Millwood's comfort with murder is extremely unsettling.
The twist on the tragedy format in this play lies in the character of Barnwell himself. Although he falls from grace and his transgressions permanently alter his life, he is not a man with the same esteem as typical tragic protagonist. Aristotle thought the fall should happen to someone of high regard; a king or governor, an important priest, or perhaps a wealthy nobleman. The choice of Barnwell as the protagonist, being a lowly apprentice, is very interesting. It perhaps draws the audience nearer to the idea that a fall from grace could happen to anyone at any time.
Lillo comments on his use of the middle class in his dedication: "it is more truly great to be the instrument of good to many who stand in need of our assistance than to a very small part of that number." Simply put, he sees value in mass-appeal.
The London Merchant is well-grounded in solid dramatic mechanics, to say the least. Although simple and straightforward in its characters and approach, this simplicity could easily be called elegance.
Fantastic post, Michael.
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