This blog is a part of the study activity provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU),Prof. and Dr.Dilip Barad Sir.Here is the link to the research article: Click here
As an overview of this blog here is the mind map: Click Here
Q-1. To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections.
Ans:
•Plato's Views on Art and Freedom of Expression:
Plato was a famous Greek philosopher. He did not support complete freedom for artists and writers. In his book "The Republic," he said that in a perfect society, there should be strict control (censorship) on art and poetry.
•Why was Plato against poets and artists?
1. Art can mislead people
Plato believed that poets tell stories that are not true. He said such stories can confuse people about what is real and what is not. For example, poets like Homer showed gods and heroes behaving badly. Plato thought this could give people wrong ideas and spoil their moral values.
2. Art creates strong emotions
Plato said poetry and drama make people feel emotions like fear, sadness, or desire. These emotions can stop people from thinking clearly. He wanted people to use reason and logic more than feelings.
3. Art may harm society
Plato felt that if people follow the emotions from art, they may lose control and become less disciplined. He thought this could break the order in society.
★Example from today’s world:
If we think like Plato today, many movies, TV shows, and books might be banned.
For example:
–Movies that show violence
–Stories with immoral characters
–TV shows that give unrealistic dreams
Plato would say that these things spoil young minds and mislead society.
•Plato’s Views on Modern Films & Series
Plato believed that art can mislead people, stir emotions, and spoil moral values. He supported censorship to protect society’s order and rationality.
1. Animal (2023)
Plot: Violent story of a man taking revenge for his father.
Plato’s Objections:
- Shows revenge and violence (bad moral impact)
- Emotionally disturbing scenes
- Glorifies violence, misleading viewersCritics say: Misogynistic and glorifies toxic masculinity.
2. Kabir Singh (2019)
Plot: A doctor becomes self-destructive after a breakup.
Plato’s Objections:
- Promotes toxic behavior and anger
- Emotional manipulation of viewers
- Realistic yet misleading portrayalCritics say: Glorifies toxic masculinity and abuse.
3. Mirzapur (Web Series)
Plot: Crime, power, and violence in a lawless town.
Plato’s Objections:
- Shows crime as normal
- Intense emotional impact
- May influence negative behaviorCritics say: Too much violence and lack of morality.
Q-2. Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that followed the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.)
Ans:
•Aristotle’s Influence in Literary Texts I Studied (B.A. Program)
During my B.A. studies, I read many literary texts that reflect Aristotle’s ideas of tragedy, catharsis, and the tragic hero with hamartia (fatal flaw).
1. Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare
This play is a good example of Aristotelian tragedy.
Brutus is the tragic hero.
His hamartia is his idealism.
His wrong decisions lead to his downfall.
The play brings out catharsis by showing betrayal and fate.
2. King Lear – William Shakespeare
Another powerful tragedy based on Aristotle’s theory.
King Lear's hamartia is his pride and poor judgment.
These cause suffering and loss.
The audience feels pity and fear, leading to catharsis.
3. Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller
A modern tragedy that still reflects Aristotle’s ideas.
Willy Loman is the tragic hero.
His hamartia is his delusion and pride.
His failure and death evoke pity and fear = catharsis.
Q–3.Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).
Ans:
•Texts I Studied That Don’t Follow Aristotelian Tradition
During my B.A. studies, I also came across many literary texts that do not follow Aristotle’s ideas of tragedy, catharsis, or the tragic hero with a flaw (hamartia). These works use different styles, themes, and narrative forms.
1. David Copperfield – Charles Dickens
This is a Bildungsroman (coming-of-age novel), showing the growth and life journey of the main character. It doesn't follow a tragic structure.
2. Pygmalion – G.B. Shaw
This play is a comedy with social criticism. It focuses on class, identity, and transformation, not on tragedy or catharsis.
3. Animal Farm – George Orwell
A political satire and allegory that critiques power and dictatorship. It doesn't have a tragic hero or emotional cleansing (catharsis) like Aristotle described.
4. Lord of the Flies – William Golding
This novel explores human nature and society’s breakdown, but it doesn’t follow classical tragedy or a single tragic hero.
5. Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
A psychological and moral journey into the effects of colonialism. The story is complex and symbolic, without Aristotle’s tragic form.
6. Beloved – Toni Morrison
Deals with pain, slavery, and memory, but it focuses on historical trauma rather than classical tragedy. Its structure is modern and emotional.
7. The God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy
This novel has social and personal tragedies, but it uses a non-linear style and focuses on Indian society and family dynamics, not on a tragic hero.
8. Nagamandala – Girish Karnad
A mythical and magical play that mixes folk stories and reality. Though it explores deep emotions, it doesn’t follow Aristotle’s tragic rules.
Q–4.Have you studied any tragedies during your B.A. program? Who was/were the tragic protagonist(s) in those tragedies? What was their 'hamartia'?
Ans:
During my B.A. program, I studied famous tragedies like ‘Julius Caesar’, ‘King Lear’, and ‘Death of a Salesman’. Each one has a tragic hero with a hamartia (a fatal flaw) that causes their downfall.
1. Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare
Tragic Hero: Brutus
Hamartia: Idealism and naivety
Brutus believes killing Caesar will save Rome, but he misjudges others’ intentions.
His trust in wrong people and rigid honor lead to his tragic fall.
2. King Lear – William Shakespeare
Tragic Hero: King Lear
Hamartia: Pride and lack of judgment
Lear gives away his kingdom to the daughters who flatter him, ignoring the honest one.
His ego and inability to see the truth bring suffering and death.
3. Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller
Tragic Hero: Willy Loman
Hamartia: Delusion and false dreams
Willy believes in the American Dream, thinking success comes from being well-liked.
He ignores reality and loses control over his life, ending in suicide.
Q–5.Discuss a recent controversy in literature, film, or the arts that echoes Plato's objections to artistic freedom. What is your stance on this controversy? Provide an example of one such controversy.
Ans:
My View on a Recent Controversy Related to Plato's Objections:–
Controversy: Housefull 5
* Housefull 5 (2025) Controversy
One of the most recent Bollywood controversies in 2025 surrounds the release of Housefull 5, a comedy franchise film that immediately drew widespread criticism for its sexist content. Viewers and critics alike condemned the film for objectifying women, relying on outdated gender stereotypes, and delivering humor rooted in misogynistic tropes.
Despite the backlash, director Tarun Mannsukhani defended the film, claiming it was “led by women” and dismissing the allegations as one-sided. However, this defense was seen by many as a superficial attempt to deflect serious criticism.
• How This Reflects Plato’s Objections to Art
In The Republic, Plato argued that art, especially mimetic (imitative) art, could corrupt the morals of society by promoting misleading ideals, false representations, and emotional indulgence. He believed that if art encourages irrationality, poor ethics, or disordered desires, it should be censored or banned.
In the case of Housefull 5, critics suggest the film:
- Promotes harmful gender norms,
- Normalizes derogatory humor at women’s expense, and
- Trivializes feminist critique under the guise of light-hearted comedy.
If Plato were alive today, he would likely view Housefull 5 as an example of popular art that entertains at the cost of virtue, feeding the public with distorted values while reinforcing damaging social stereotypes.
★My Perspective:
While I firmly believe in creative freedom, I also support the idea that freedom must be balanced with ethical responsibility, especially in widely consumed media like Bollywood films.
- Comedy is powerful—it can either reinforce injustice or question it.
- Responsible humor “punches up”, challenges norms, and creates space for reflection—not ridicule.
- Simply casting women in leading roles doesn't automatically render the content feminist or progressive if the writing perpetuates outdated stereotypes.
References:
1. Barad, Dilip. “Aristotle’s Poetics.” Research Gate https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31696.28164
2. “Plato’s Aesthetics.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophyplato.stanford.edu/entries/plato-aesthetics/
3. Housefull 5 written and directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid nadiadwala.
Thank you!
No comments:
Post a Comment