Science Theatre

Defining Tragedy

Трагедия, as defined by Aristotle in his Poetics, is a form of drama characterized by the downfall of a noble protagonist. This protagonist, while not entirely virtuous, possesses a tragic flaw (hamartia) that leads to their ruin. The events of the трагедия evoke pity and fear (catharsis) in the audience, ultimately providing a sense of emotional release and a greater understanding of the human condition. Key elements of трагедия include:

• A Noble Protagonist: The central character occupies a high position in society.
• Tragic Flaw (Hamartia): A character weakness or error in judgment that causes the protagonist’s downfall.
• Downfall: The protagonist experiences a significant decline in fortune, often leading to their destruction.
• Catharsis: The audience experiences a purging of pity and fear.
• Recognition (Anagnorisis): The protagonist gains a crucial insight or understanding of their situation.
• Reversal (Peripeteia): A sudden change of fortune or circumstances.

Succession as Tragedy

Succession reimagines these elements within the context of a modern media empire. The Roy family, while not royalty in the traditional sense, holds immense power and influence, placing them at the apex of contemporary society. Each member of the Roy family—Logan, Kendall, Shiv, and Roman—exhibits tragic flaws that drive the narrative and contribute to their suffering.

The Tragic Hero: Logan Roy

Logan Roy, the patriarch of the family, serves as a complex, if not traditional, tragic hero. His hamartia is his insatiable hunger for power and control, coupled with an inability to show love or vulnerability. This flaw alienates his children and creates a toxic environment of competition and manipulation. While Logan’s death is a major turning point in the series, his flaws set in motion the tragic events that befall his children.

Hamartia and Downfall of the Roy Children

Each of Logan’s children displays their own tragic flaws:

• Kendall’s hamartia is his addiction and desperate need for his father’s approval, leading to self-destructive behavior and a series of failures. He is perhaps the most traditional tragic figure among the siblings, experiencing moments of anagnorisis only to succumb to his flaws.
• Shiv’s ambition and political maneuvering, combined with her insecurity and desire for her father’s validation, lead her to make strategic errors and ultimately undermine her own aspirations.
• Roman’s immaturity, emotional detachment, and craving for his father’s approval result in self-sabotaging actions and an inability to form genuine connections.

Comparison to a Classical Tragedy: Oedipus Rex

To illustrate the tragic elements in Succession, a comparison to Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is useful. Oedipus Rex is a quintessential трагедия that follows the downfall of King Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother.

• Noble Protagonist: Both Oedipus and the Roys occupy positions of power. Oedipus is a king, while the Roys control a media empire that shapes global narratives and influences political landscapes.
• Tragic Flaw: Oedipus’s hamartia is his hubris and his relentless pursuit of the truth, even when it leads to his own destruction. This is similar to Kendall’s self-destructive pursuit of his father’s approval and Shiv’s relentless ambition. Logan shares a similar hubris with Oedipus, believing himself to be untouchable and all-powerful.
• Downfall: Oedipus experiences a catastrophic downfall, losing his kingdom, his family, and his sight. The Roy siblings, while not experiencing literal blindness, suffer a metaphorical downfall. Kendall loses control of the company and his own sense of self, Shiv loses her political aspirations and her marriage, and Roman is left emotionally shattered and isolated.
• Catharsis: Both Oedipus Rex and Succession evoke catharsis. In Oedipus Rex, the audience feels pity for Oedipus’s suffering and fear of the power of fate. In Succession, the audience experiences a similar catharsis, feeling pity for the siblings’ brokenness and fear of the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
• Recognition and Reversal: Oedipus’s anagnorisis, his realization of his true identity and his crimes, is a pivotal moment in the play. Succession features similar moments of recognition for its characters. For example, Kendall’s gradual осознание of his own self-destructive tendencies and his role in his own downfall. Each sibling experiences reversals of fortune throughout the series, mirroring the peripeteia found in classical трагедия.

The Chorus in Succession

While Succession does not have a traditional Greek chorus, the supporting characters often function in a similar capacity. Tom Wambsgans, for example, provides commentary on the Roy family’s actions, often serving as a cynical observer and offering insights into their motivations. The various business associates, political players, and journalists surrounding the Roys also contribute to this function, highlighting the broader consequences of their decisions.

Conclusion

Succession is a compelling modern reimagining of трагедия. While set in the contemporary world of corporate power, it retains the core elements of the classical genre. The Roy family’s pursuit of power, their tragic flaws, and their ultimate downfalls resonate with the трагедии of ancient Greece. The show explores timeless themes of ambition, family, and the corrupting influence of power, offering a cathartic experience for the audience. By examining Succession through the lens of трагедия, we can see the enduring power of this dramatic form