Anagnorisis

Definition of Anagnorisis
Anagnorisis is a moment in a plot or story, specifically a tragedy, in which the main character recognizes or identifies his true nature, recognizes the true identity of the other character, discovers the true nature of his situation or that of the the rest. Aristotle discussed anagnorisis in detail in his Poetics, which defines it as “a change [that] occurs from ignorance to knowledge, creating love or hatred between individuals condemned by the poet to bad or good fortune. "It is simply a surprising discovery, bringing a shift from ignorance to knowledge.

For example, in William Shakespeare's" Winter's Tale ", a scene of recognition occurs in the final act, revealing that Perdita is the daughter of the king, and not a shepherdess - the reason why she is suitable for a royal lover. reveals to King Oedipus his true birth. Oedipus then recognizes his queen, Jocasta, as his true mother, and the man he killed at the crossroads as his true father, as well as himself as an unnatural sinner, who has caused the disaster in the city of Thebes. It is artistically satisfying, as the vicissitude (reversal of fortune) accompanies it. Here the incident is a reversal of fortune from good to bad, turning into a tragic catastrophe.

Example # 2: The Choephoroi (by Aeschylus)
Another Family Our example of anagnorisis is found in Aeschylus's Greek, "The Choephoroi. It happens when Electra identifies Orestes, her brother, who returns after exile in Agamemnon on the grave of his father, whom his mother, Clytemnestra has murdered. Electra recognizes Orestes as her brother by finding three pieces of evidence: a lock of Orestes' hair in his father's grave, his footprints near the grave, and a piece of fabric that she has embroidered for him. She finds that the hair and prints are similar to hers. Electra's awareness of her brother's presence gives her support in avenging the murder of her father.

Example # 3: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare)
One of those moments in “Macbeth” occurs in the final scene when Macbeth, on the battlefield, meets the vengeful Macduff, who declares that he is not “a woman born "But is" torn prematurely. " of his mother's womb - now called a caesarean section. This is the moment when Macbeth learns that the witches' prophecy is about to come true, and that Macduff would kill him. e is destined, he continues to fight Macduff, who eventually kills him.

Example # 4: Othello (by William Shakespeare)
There is another example in another play "Othello". Othello only believes in what others tell him, especially those who come to see him first. He believes in the story of Iago's deception, although it is based on words and a handkerchief, but does not trust Desdemona, his wife. The moment of recognition occurs when he realizes that he has unjustly killed his beloved wife, for which he also commits suicide.

Example # 5: Cherry Orchard (by Anton Chekhov)
Yet another example occurs in Act III of Cherry Orchard, by Anthon Chekhov. During a party, Lyubov Andreyevna notices that his cherry orchard, the place where he grew up, After creating beautiful childhood memories, Lophakhin bought it. Anagnorisis occurs exactly when Lopakhin walks in and proudly declares: "For sale ... I bought it ... I bought it! ... The cherry orchard is mine now, Mine! ... I bought the farm where my father and my grandfather were slaves, where they weren't even allowed into the kitchen. ”

Lyubov starts to cry and Varya leaves the party in anger. This is the anagnorisis of both Lyubov and Lopakhin. Lyubov finds out who finally bought his garden, and Lophakhin he realizes that he has finally bought the property where his ancestors worked as slaves.

Function of Anagnorisis
The use of this literary device is very common in plays and novels, it is a very important part of the plot in a tragedy, in which the protagonist recognizes his tragic failure, this happens at the climax, what leading to its eventual downfall. The end of the anagnorisis leads to catharsis in the readers, the ideal moment for this device to happen is the moment of adventures, a change of luck, where the protagonist realizes some important data or insight, human nature, your own situation or a truth about yourself. In fact, it unravels all the main intricacies of the plot.
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