Obscure Literary Terms: Anagnorisis

Oh ho ho ho—do I live for a good ✨anagnorisis.✨ I've experienced a few myself. You probably have too.

"No, not me," you say.

No? Have you never realized that you have been undervaluing yourself in relationships or at work, leading to a decision to set healthier boundaries or pursue opportunities that reflect your true capabilities?

No? You haven't come to the realization that certain friendships or family dynamics were unhealthy and detrimental to your mental well-being, prompting you to distance yourself from those influences?

No? You haven't come to understand that your feelings of sadness or anxiety are not just temporary phases but are connected to deeper mental health issues and, in turn, this recognition leads you to seek help and begin therapy?

No? You've never guarded your emotions until realizing that opening up to others can foster deeper connections and improve your relationships, prompting you to be more vulnerable?

You haven't come to clarity about your true passion and quit your job to pursue your dreams? You don't know the feeling of accepting your sexual orientation or gender identity after years of confusion or denial, allowing you to live more authentically and openly? You didn't recognize how past experiences of trauma have shaped your current behavior and relationships, enabling you to begin the healing process and work toward forgiveness and growth? You've never reflected on your life choices and recognized patterns that have led to unhappiness or dissatisfaction, motivating you to make more conscious and intentional decisions moving forward?

No?

Alright well...anagnorisis in books and movies and other media are much more dramatic anyway—by design.

Anagnorisis is when a protagonist recognized their true nature or their identity, or a significant truth about their world. It would feel like a dolly zoom in the movies similar to the one on Roy Scheider's character in Jaws. Very vertigo, not at all demure. This moment of revelation often leads to a change in the character's fate, influencing the plot's progression and the emotional resonance of the story.

The term anagnorisis (pronounced ah-nahg-NOR-ih-sis) comes from the Greek word ἀναγνώρισις, meaning "recognition" and from anagnorizein "to recognize." Deeper in, from ana "again" + gnorizein "to make known, gain knowledge of." Gus Portokalos of My Big Fat Greek Wedding would be proud.

A favorite of Sigmund Freud, let's consider the tale of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. In this classic Greek tragedy, Oedipus experiences a profound anagnorisis when he realizes that he has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother. This revelation not only leads to his tragic downfall but also serves as a commentary on fate and free will.

As a matter of fact, anagnorisis originates from Greek Tragedies.

Agamemnon by Aeschylus:

In this play, Agamemnon returns home from the Trojan War, and his wife, Clytemnestra, recognizes her husband but harbors a deep-seated desire for revenge. The anagnorisis occurs when Agamemnon, despite his awareness of his wife's apparent warmth, fails to recognize the danger he is in. His lack of insight ultimately leads to his tragic death at her hands.

The Bacchae by Euripides:

In this tragedy, Pentheus, the king of Thebes, experiences anagnorisis when he finally recognizes the power of Dionysus and the consequences of his refusal to honor the god. His realization comes too late, as he is torn apart by his own mother and the other women of Thebes, who are under the influence of Dionysus. This moment underscores themes of divine power and human folly.

Some more modern examples include:

The Sixth Sense (1999)

In M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (played by Bruce Willis) experiences an anagnorisis in the film's shocking twist ending. The realization that he is actually dead changes the interpretation of the entire narrative and enhances the film's emotional impact.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter undergoes a significant anagnorisis when he learns about the true nature of his connection to "he who we don't name on this website." This recognition of his role as the true master of death and his understanding of sacrifice leads him to make critical decisions that shape the story's climax.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:

Elizabeth Bennet realizes her misconceptions about Mr. Darcy, leading to her understanding of true character and love.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

Nick Carraway’s recognition of Gatsby’s tragic idealism and the hollowness of the American Dream comes as he reflects on the events surrounding Gatsby’s life and death.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë:

Jane’s realization of her own worth and her understanding of her feelings for Mr. Rochester lead to her decision to return to him, emphasizing themes of self-respect and independence.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:

Scout Finch’s understanding of Boo Radley as a protector rather than a figure of fear marks a significant moment of recognition in her moral development.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky:

Charlie experiences a pivotal moment of anagnorisis when he comes to terms with the trauma of his childhood, particularly the loss of his best friend and the abuse he endured, which profoundly affects his mental health and relationships. This realization leads him to embrace his emotions, recognize the importance of vulnerability, and appreciate the love and support of his friends, ultimately allowing him to heal and find a sense of belonging.

"But isn't that just a plot twist, Katherine?" you wonder aloud.

Technically but not really? They're related, but are distinct from each other.

Anagnorisis refers to a moment of recognition or revelation in which a character gains insight into their true identity, circumstances, or relationships, often leading to significant character development and thematic depth, as seen in Oedipus Rex.

In contrast, a plot twist is an unexpected development that surprises the audience and alters their understanding of the narrative, focusing more on external events than on character growth; for example, revealing a murderer’s identity in a mystery novel.

AND SO—anagnorisis can function as a plot twist if the recognition comes as a surprise to the audience. HOWEVER—not all plot twists involve anagnorisis.

So what makes anagnorises so good?

Writer's must effectively create impactful moments of recognition or revelation in a narrative. Consider these elements:

Significant Revelation:

The realization should be profound and pivotal, altering the character’s understanding of themselves, their relationships, or their circumstances.

Build-Up:

Effective anagnorisis often involves a gradual build-up of tension and conflict, where clues and foreshadowing lead to the moment of recognition. This makes the revelation feel earned and meaningful.

Emotional Weight:

The moment should carry emotional significance, resonating with both the character and the audience. This can evoke feelings such as joy, sorrow, regret, or empowerment.

Character Development:

A good anagnorisis leads to character growth. The character’s recognition should prompt changes in their behavior, decisions, or perspective, contributing to their overall arc.

Themes and Messages:

The revelation should reflect the central themes of the story, such as identity, truth, redemption, or the complexity of human relationships, adding depth to the narrative.

Impact on Plot:

The moment of recognition should have clear consequences for the plot, propelling the story forward or leading to a resolution of conflicts.

Relatability:

The realization should be relatable to the audience, allowing them to connect with the character’s journey and understand the significance of the moment in a broader context.

Clarity and Precision:

The anagnorisis should be clearly articulated, whether through dialogue, inner monologue, or narrative exposition, ensuring that the audience grasps its importance.

Moments of recognition can evoke profound emotional responses, guiding both characters and audiences toward a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and the human experience. It goes without saying that writers feel this too!

I would go so far as to say the transformative power of anagnorisis reminds us that self-discovery and realization are central to our journey through life.

Do you have a favorite anagnorisis? Have you gone through an anagnorisis yourself? I hope you share with me down below!

Realizing more about myself by the day,

Katherine Arkady