Wednesday, December 21, 2011

12.21

PERiPETiA (n)


   A sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal [of fortune]; especially in literary works.

but what about real life? This word was first introduced to me as a theatre major, the course was history of theatre and we, the students, were being taught its use. Moreover, dating back to Greek mythology, each depiction of literature was certain to have a few necessary elements; among them, [from what I can remember] a beginning, middle, and end; and, peripetia. Each great work required  reversal of fortune; the bad guy loses everything, [virtue over vice] or all things going well for the protagonist until death strikes, or some sort of accident... [etc.] This component, peripetia, managed to remain relevant and consistent, seen in every book, play, and television show there is today. Not solely because it ensues entertainment, but because it is a humanistic quality and coordinate with the oneness of the human experience. Peripetia is real life, everyday. In fact, it is the way the world works. Daily, we are faced with obstacle, adversity, difficulty, and failure. Its a natural selection, there will always be something; good or bad. What is done with the predicament faced is determined by you, solely. Such is life. [chin up]

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