The meaning of the Tragic Clown??

daithiocondun

Hi all. I'm not sure if this is in the correct place, but I guess it's philosophical in the broad sense of the term. Apologies if it's misplaced and feel free to move appropriate.

I was recently thinking about clowns (as you do). By clowns I mean the literal circus-type clowns with painted faces and was wondering what the significance surrounding the notion of the tragic clown is?

Modern clowns are often painted with tears running down their faces and I know that there is some historical significance surrounding the notion of the clown who is laughing on the outside and crying on the inside. He appears to be a tragic figure who mute (clowns don't speak, as far as I know) and forced into the entertainment of others.

The historicity of the clown must have contributed too to the notion of the frightening clown (as per "It" and other modern literary and film horrors). Even in Opera, we see the tragedy of the clown: Leoncavallo's Opera "Pagliacci" (trans. "Players/Clowns") features the tragic aria "Vesti La Giubba" (trans. On with the show") which portrays the agony of the protagonist who is a clown and he wails in pain at the end of the song.

Perhaps someone could provide some insight or shed some light on the notion of the entertainer clown and the tragedy within??

18AD

This isn't a philosophical answer but it's the first thing that came to mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Szy-MHXDQQ

wylo

sorry couldnt resist, I saw them at electric picnic a few weeks ago...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d4uQ_f0tg8

daithiocondun

This isn't helping guys.....

wylo

wrong forum id say tbh. sorry,

daithiocondun

Well can someone recommend a better forum??

Shtanto

You could see if the psychology forum is more suited to this - it's a perception thing as far as I can tell. A clown portrays amusement, the tears indicate he's dead inside. Probably trying to sell the idea that personal dignity is far more valuable than we might think. So many sell it so cheaply with drink and stupidity.

I'm in danger of going into rant mode so I'll stop there. :rolleyes:

wylo

This may or may not be helpful, the concept seems to go back quite far...this is a stock character... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierrot

Chuck Stone

What is manic depression?


Am I doin it right?

Black Swan

daithiocondun wrote: »

Well can someone recommend a better forum??

MOD COMMENT:
Perhaps the Psychology forum will provide a discussion more suited to the OP? Moved locked for consideration by their mods.