Apollo And Dionysus

I enjoyed reading The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich Nietzsche. In this reading Nietzsche focuses on the aspect of fundamental duality. The focus of this is Apollo and Dionysus, and they represent two separate art-worlds of dreams and intoxication. According to Nietzsche, Apollo is the ruler over the illusion of the inner world and fantasy. Apollonian art had a certain restraint and gave observers a freedom from their erratic emotions. This art provided relief and comfort and was the basis of analytic distinctions. Apollonian art represented a man’s character. However, Dionysian art breaks down a man’s character. This art represented primordial unity through ecstasy. Dionysian art is in both dreams and ecstasies, and the focus of this art is

music because it appeals to man’s emotions. Before Dionysus art was naïve and focused mostly on appearances the observer was not united with the art. This ancient Greek tragedy involves both elements of art. In the text from Thus Spake Zarathustra, Nietzsche believes that God is dead and everyone is destined to live life in a free godless universe. Each individual on earth needs to overcome oneself and the limitations they have set. There are three metamorphoses that can enable an individual to reach a higher state with true freedom and independence. These three metamorphoses are the camel, lion, and child. The first is to become a camel, and become subjected to receive various burdens. This metamorphosis is intended to humiliate oneself in order to discard their pride. The second stage is for an individual to become a lion. By becoming a lion this individual will obtain courage and will, and they will capture freedom and lordship in their own world. The third and final metamorphosis stage is when an individual becomes a child again. This stage represents a new beginning and a chance to apply the new-found wisdom that was obtained and create a better life. If these stages are completed, then an individual becomes strong and free in a godless universe. This individual will find their own truth and goodness. Their spirit will be free of constraints and find the purpose of their life.