Catharsis
Pablo Diablo English 031704 kə`thärsə The idea of catharsis has evolved in many directions since first being introduced by Aristotle. Catharsis has been used and applied in several ways by artists and psychologists over the centuries. Originally catharsis was defined specifically in terms of an audience’s reaction to the tragic events of a play. An audience member is said to experience catharsis when he or she releases emotions based on the tragic events that occur within a play. “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell is an example of a modern play where catharsis is experienced by audience members as originally intended. ... Catharsis occurred for me at the point where they realize the true value of the relationship they’ve had with each other.