> > > As for catharsis, the purging of the emotions through certain types of art:
> > >
> > Mmmm... I don't think that is "catharsis." What you're describing sounds more like engagement of the emotions by vicarious experience. If you're crying not because of your own hurt, but through means of the actions and events portrayed by someone else: then you are vicariously experiencing and 'venting' *that person's* perceived emotions... not your own.
> >
>
> What is catharsis, then? When I described my understanding of it, I meant that by reading "Gone With The Wind," I was able to vent my own emotions. It started vicariously, but I was very soon crying over a mixture of Scarlett O'Hara's problems and my own similar emotions. I rarely cried over my own problems until then, because I thought it was shameful and childish. However, the tragedy in the book made me cry, and I didn't feel childish, because it was over a book, not self-pity.
>
> Hmmm...I'm afraid this is as clear as it gets. I may have misunderstood the definition of "catharsis," however. I hope more people get involved in this topic---I think it's interesting.
>

I'm not exactly sure what "catharsis" really means to most people, either. I only know what it seems to have meant to Aristotle, and HE thought of it medically in terms of a bodily "purification" rite that removed emotion. That's right up there with using leeches in blood-letting practises to purge out those bad, ugly, nasty humours. :-)

So, where'd this current idea of catharsis being a restorative and healing experience to "work through" one's deep emotions come from?

Wolf "also thinks this topic is interesting" spirit