The Theme and Style of Aldous Leonard Huxley 's Essay, "Tragedy and The Whole Truth"

Introduction

Aldous Leonard Huxley(1894–1963)'s "Tragedy and The Whole Truth" is an essay of literary criticism. With lucid, crystal clear statements his criticism at the literature and its truthfulness is expressed here. As a critique it is analyzing detailed, learned and brilliant exposition. The artistic revelation of the essence of literature – the truth, the whole truth interwoven the subject of interest in this piece. It examines the nature of tragedy, exploring its impact on human existence and the pursuit of truth. Through his unique writing style and thought-provoking insights, Huxley offers readers a profound exploration of the human condition, illuminating the complex interplay between tragedy and the search for a deeper understanding of reality. Let us study the piece through the following points. 

 The Super Truth

Aldous Leonard Huxley draws a distinction between tragedy and novel in his essay. Tragedy is limited in its scope and range. The novel has much wider writer aims at emotional intensity. A novelist writes in a discursive manner. So the wholly truthful kind of literature like "Tom Jones" is all embracing and all-inclusive. Huxley refers to an incident in Homer’s "Odyssey". The description of the best and the bravest of the hero’s companions cruelly devoured by the monster Scylla reveals the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Instead of dropping sentimental tears, life flows on here: "Later, the danger passed, Odysseus and his men went ashore for the night, and, on the Sicilian beach, prepared their supper—prepared it, says Homer ‘expertly.’ The Twelfth Book of the Odyssey concludes with these words: ‘When they had satisfied their thirst and hunger, they thought of their dear companions and wept, and in the midst of their tears sleep came gently upon them.’"

Huxley explains the meaning of truth in literature. According to him the whole truth contains the experiences, recorded in a piece of literature, which correspond fairly closely with actual experiences or with potential experiences. The whole truth is a kind of super truth. He suggests that this higher truth lies beyond the limitations of individual perspectives and is accessible through the transcendence of personal desires and attachments. Huxley argues that by embracing this Super Truth, individuals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of reality and ultimately achieve a sense of spiritual fulfillment.

An Opposition to I.A.Richards and Further

I. A. Richards ("Principles of Literary Criticism") considers a good tragedy proof against irony and irrelevance. It can absorb anything into itself and still remain tragedy. The capacity to absorb untragic and anti-tragic is a touchstone of tragic merit. Huxley does not agree with this viewpoint of I. A. Richards. He asserts that the tragedies of Shakespeare reveal the use of irony. They also contain a cynicism. It is terrifying. But this cynicism is always heroic idealism, which is turned neatly inside out. The irony seems to be a kind of photographic negative of heroic romance.

Huxley thinks that the whole truth is not compatible with tragedy. No tragedy reveals the whole truth. We should not expect the whole truth where a writer has produced the tragic effect. Tragedy is something separate from ‘the whole truth’. Tragedy is chemically pure. Its chemical purity performs its function of catharsis so effectively. Tragedy refines emotional life and corrects it. Tragedy is valuable and significant. Thus adds, "The introduction of such a scene would change the whole quality of the play; treated in this Odyssean style, Macbeth would cease to be a tragedy."

Writings, which tell the whole truth, produce a different effect upon the mind. Such writings overflow the limits of tragedy. Tragedy is an arbitrarily isolated eddy on the surface of a vast river that flows around, beneath and to either side river, and not only that particular eddy. Tragedy is chemically pure but the whole truthful literature is chemically impure as it contains many more ingredients than tragedy. The effects of the whole truthful literature are more lasting. Modern literature has shown tendency to embrace ‘the whole truth’. The writer thinks that there is simultaneous existence of tragedy and wholly truthful literature as human spirit requires these lands of art.

While Richards emphasizes the importance of experiencing tragedy for its cathartic effects, Huxley challenges this notion by suggesting that tragedy can lead to a deeper understanding of the world, transcending the mere release of emotions. He contends that tragedy has the potential to reveal profound truths about the human condition and the nature of existence. Huxley suggests that tragedy, when properly understood, can awaken individuals to the complexities and contradictions of life. He explores the idea that tragedy can serve as a catalyst for intellectual growth and a deeper engagement with reality. Huxley's perspective challenges the conventional understanding of tragedy as solely a means of emotional release, offering a broader and more intellectual interpretation of its significance.

Style-Natural, Flowing and Elegant

Aldous Leonard Huxley's writing style in his essay "Tragedy and The Whole Truth" is delightful and masterly characterized by charm and vigour. It is remarkably lucid, simple and serene. It's style is natural, flowing and elegant. As a verbal craftsman Huxley is admirable for his love of craftsmanship as his medium of words used with imagination. With his choice of words, apt phrasal uses his is the brilliant exposition of ideas. It shows intellectual liberty and astonishing learning. The style is witty and polished with full of clarity. There is nothing vague, cloudy or cryptic. The style is further figurative. With the quality of eloquence, sincerity and condensed statements the essay becomes in concise, almost epigrammatic in style. His use of vivid imagery and descriptive language adds depth and richness to his arguments, enhancing the overall aesthetic quality of his writing. Huxley's style captivates the reader, drawing them into his intellectual exploration with its seamless and graceful execution. His is the combination of grave and gay in this essay.

To Quote a Few of the Memorable Lines of His

 “Turning back from his post in the bows, Odysseus was in time to see them lifted, struggling, into the air, to hear their screams, the desperate repetition of his own name. The survivors could only look on, helplessly, while Scylla ‘at the mouth of her cave devoured them, still screaming, still stretching out their hands to me in the frightful struggle.’"

   “Tragedy is something that is separated out from the Whole Truth, distilled from it, so to speak, as an essence is distilled from the living flower.”

“Shakespeare’s ironies and cynicisms serve to deepen his tragic world, but not to widen it. If they had widened it, as the Homeric irrelevancies widened out the universe of the Odyssey—why, then, the world of Shakespearean tragedy would automatically have ceased to exist."

Conclusion

"Tragedy and the Whole Truth" is a beautiful expression on the nature of truth in artistic literature. It is a critique on well-knit exposition and eloquent style. Huxley invites readers to delve into the complexities of tragedy and its relationship with truth. His ability to seamlessly navigate intricate concepts while maintaining clarity and precision is a testament to his mastery as a writer. Huxley's exploration of tragedy challenges conventional notions, emphasizing its potential to reveal deeper insights into the human condition. By engaging readers with his eloquent and captivating writing, Huxley leaves a lasting impression and encourages contemplation on the profound interplay between tragedy and the quest for truth.

Ardhendu De

References

1. Principles of Literary Criticism | work by Richards. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Principles-of-Literary-Criticism

2. Tragedy and the Whole Truth | VQR Online. (1931, January 1). Tragedy and the Whole Truth | VQR Online. https://www.vqronline.org/essay/tragedy-and-whole-truth