Listen, Kafka. What you're experiencing now is the motif of many Greek tragedies. Man doesn't choose fate. Fate chooses man. That's the basic worldview of Greek drama. And the sense of tragedy-according to Aristotle-comes, ironically enough, not from the protagonist's weak points but from his good qualities. Do you know what I'm getting at? People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues. Sophocles' Oedipus Rex being a great example. Oedipus is drawn into tragedy not because of laziness or stupidity, but because of his courage and honesty. So an inevitable irony results.
In this passage from "Kafka on the Shore," the speaker explains a central theme of Greek tragedies: the concept that individuals do not shape their destiny; instead, destiny shapes individuals. This idea underscores the inevitability of fate in life, a notion deeply rooted in Greek dramatic tradition. The inevitability of a character's downfall, as depicted in classic plays, suggests that the traits that make them admirable can also lead to their ruin.
The text highlights that, according to Aristotle, the essence of tragedy arises not from a hero's flaws, but rather from their commendable qualities. The character of Oedipus in Sophocles' work exemplifies this paradox; his tragic journey stems from his virtues of courage and honesty rather than any moral failing. This irony reflects the complexity of the human condition, where strength can lead to vulnerability and ultimately, to tragedy.
