Spring Cleaning and Artistotle

Signs of renewal are everywhere. The ice is gone, the mud's firmed up, and the fishermen are ready stock the pond. As spring rain fills our local stream, neighbors prune dead trees, cast out trash, and embrace the spirit of catharsis. Aristotle would be proud.

In his "Poetics", the Greek philosopher explored the ways in which catharsis buoys the power of classic tales. For Aristotle, great stories pushed a character (or reader) toward a huge release of pent up feeling. To achieve this effect, a story's audience must experience strong emotions that result in a purge of passion -- like weeping or belly laughs. Some iconic characters invite us to the passion party by forcing us to witness their tragic fate. Think of Anna Karenina or Jay Gatsby, whose out-sized dreams tipped the human seesaw too far.

But for every memorable character who falls off the cliff at the end of the story, there is one for whom catharsis results in a new life and a resurgence of hope. These are the characters who survive tremendous challenges, yet reach for goals they can achieve despite their frailties. Characters of spring have the pluck of busy birds making new nests in your local elm. Think of Miles in Rex Pickett's "Sideways" or Louisa May Alcott's Jo March.

Though the cold months of winter break down our resistance to despair, green buds restore a sense of hope. Forget Madame Bovary...Take a breath of optimism and let your characters lead lives they once thought impossible.