The tragedy in ancient Greek and Chinese literature

The present article presents a comparative analysis of ancient Greek and Chinese tragedies, including an investigation of the key structural elements of the tragic genre: the forms of tragedies, the figure of the main hero, and the characteristics of tragic endings in the context of both cultural traditions. Special attention is given to the analysis of similarities and differences in the relationships between humans, divine forces, and fate, the motivations of tragic heroes, and variations in the presentation of tragic outcomes. As a result of the study of the traditional cultures of Ancient Greece and China, unique and common features of the tragic genre have been identified. An analysis of a specific phenomenon represented in the form of various endings in ancient Greek and Chinese tragedies (a double ending, i.e., a tragic beginning and a comic ending) has also been conducted to explore some of the reasons for cultural differences between the two civilizations. The present article employs a comparative method and cultural research, analyzing ancient Greek and Chinese tragedies. Chinese tragedy is extremely pessimistic, and several factors can be highlighted that define this emphasis. Firstly, the pessimistic consciousness of Chinese tragedy is associated with the philosophical understanding of the cyclical theory of history, which is based on predestination. Secondly, the Confucian ethical system has significantly influenced the pessimism of Chinese tragedy, forming the motif of "redemptive sacrifice." Unlike the spirit of individual resistance characteristic of Western tragedy, the pessimism of Chinese tragedy has distinctive features of collectivist ethics—redemption often relies on the morality of the entire community rather than individual will. To examine the reasons why Chinese tragedy possesses the essence and characteristics of tragedy while simultaneously offering a happy ending, it is essential to analyze the concepts of "happiness" and "sorrow" in Chinese culture. Happiness, from the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, primarily denotes confidence in heavenly protection and gratitude to Heaven; happiness also encompasses the joy of performing a good deed for the sake of one’s people. Sorrow reflects the burden of one’s mission, as well as the awareness of the finitude and transience of all phenomena associated with mortal human nature. Thus, this has become one of the main factors determining the differences in the endings of Chinese tragedies and ancient Greek tragedies.