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An approch that substituted for psychology in ancient literatures can be applied to the great tragedies. Thus in Gilgamesh we see the transformation of the hero through suffering into the archetypal leader, the extraverted Father type. Shakespeare also worked these transformations. "Hamlet" is in this way classical. Hamlet moves from introvert to father empathizing extrovert like Gilgamesh. Macbeth starts as pragmatic vassal, becomes possessed and pathological with the "cloak" of rule too large for him and finally, according to his words to Macduff, returns full circle to be practical comrade among comrades. Othello tries the psychology of assimilation into a hostile culture. He is even granted a special boon by being associated with two people who love him. But his tadgedy is to be thrown back into lonliness by his vulnerability. The weightiness of these transformations is amazing.Posted by Florence Amit on April 12, 1997 at 16:05:54
In Reply to "Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth: All the same play?" posted by Fair Ophelia on April 11, 1997 at 09:37:42
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