What is the purpose of catharsis in theater?

The purpose of catharsis in theater is to provide emotional release and clarity. This concept originates from Aristotle's description of tragedy in his work "Poetics," where he states that the purpose of drama is to arouse feelings of pity and fear, leading to a purging or cleansing of these emotions through the audience's engagement with the performance. When viewers experience catharsis, they undergo a profound emotional experience that can lead to personal insights and a sense of relief.

In this context, characters often face intense dilemmas and conflicts, and through their struggles—depicted on stage—audiences are able to confront their own emotions in a safe space. This emotional journey can leave them with a clearer understanding of their feelings, thus achieving the desired cathartic effect.

Other choices introduce ideas that relate to theater but do not capture the essence of catharsis. For instance, entertaining the audience with humor, while a common goal of many theatrical works, does not align with the deeper emotional impact that catharsis aims for. Confusing the audience intentionally does not contribute to an emotional release; rather, it distracts from the intent of achieving clarity and understanding. Developing complex character arcs is essential to storytelling and can facilitate catharsis,