Disgrace and happiness as consequences of marginal actions

Author(s)

Cristina de Souza Agostini

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2013-06-04

Examining board members

Luiz Henrique Lopes dos Santos; Jose Carlos Baracat Junior; Adriane da Silva Duarte; Mario Rodrigues Videira Junior; Marco Antonio de Avila Zingano

• Advisor: Luiz Henrique Lopes dos Santos

Abstract

Through an analysis of the actions of two heroes present in plays from the Ancient Attic drama, this work draws a comparison between the construction of two types of marginal behavior, as well as between the different consequences resulting from these behaviors. In this sense, following the characterization of the marginality of Hippolytus, the homonymous hero of Euripides tragedy, I shall demonstrate how the young mans choice for virginity is intrinsically related to the disgraceful consequences that befall Theseuss house. In fact, I consider that because Hippolytus deliberately chooses (i.e. without physical or mental coercion) to live outside his dramatic community refusing its customs, he is completely responsible for Aphrodites revenge, which ruins his family. In the same way, by delimiting the marginal attitude of Dikaiopolis, from Aristophanes comedy, Acharnians, I shall elucidate the manner in which the characters choice for private peace, transgressive of the majoritys decisions for the continuity of the war, is followed by ethylic, sexual and gastronomic consequences he is faced with. Hence, the aim of this thesis is the intertwining of the way Hippolytus is disgraceful because of his marginal actions and the reason why Dikaiopolis is happy thanks to this very marginality. And, lastly, I intend to cast light upon the ways by which both the tragedy and comedys characters are responsible for whatever they reap from their marginal ways of life. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/05153-1 - The discussion about the tragedy and comedy in Plato and Aristotle, and the political debate of poetical genders (the tragic and comic)at Dionysian Athenian festivals.
• Grantee: Cristina de Souza Agostini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate