Catharsis or katharsis (Greek: κάθαρσις) is a Greek word that is related in meaning to the verb καθαίρειν, kathairein, and to the adjective καθαρός, katharos. The Greek Lexicon, "LSJ," provides a range of meanings for this cluster of related words covering a number of nuances that reflect the concepts of purgation, purification and clarification and various subheadings within these categories.
Read more about Catharsis: Dramatic Uses, "Catharsis" Before Tragedy, Therapeutic Uses
Famous quotes containing the word catharsis:
“Opera once was an important social instrument—especially in Italy. With Rossini and Verdi people were listening to opera together and having the same catharsis with the same story, the same moral dilemmas. They were holding hands in the darkness. That has gone. Now perhaps they are holding hands watching television.”
—Luciano Berio (b. 1925)
“He was all for catharsis and purification, he dreamed of an aesthetic consecration that should cleanse society of luxury, the greed of gold and all unloveliness.”
—Thomas Mann (1875–1955)