Tragedie et preuve narrative

Abstract

This essay proposes some reflections on “narrative proof”. As largely known, a tale is not told to convey information only; that is: fiction does not transmit information directly. Tales, novels, dramas try to prove some “truth” (moral, philosophical, or other). Tragedy however, whether ancient Greek, Elizabethan or classical French, seems to represent an exception, at least to some extent. These forms of tragedy offer no easy conclusions. In the Renaissance, however, the newly created tragedy quickly slides toward moralisation and the same holds true for the postclassical French tragedy, in accordance with the Enlightenment’s general propensity towards preaching different truths. The Poetics of Aristotle, whose link to ancient Greek tragedy is problematic, is not moralistic, but it offers several points suited for moralisation. This moralistic trend is outlined by the study of some theorists and playwrights.