CATHARSIS

When we look at people, or even at ourselves, it is evident that we all possess some sort of negative qualities. However, at times, some of us may come to realize that these qualities may somehow hurt us in the end, and we feel the instant need to rid ourselves of them. When an individual chooses to do so, they go through a process that Aristotle defined as catharsis, or an emotional cleansing. This is a difficult process, which can vary in time, ranging from as little as a week to as long as 5 years.
Once a person has grown into themselves, and become the person that they are, it is difficult to change out of that mindset. A person is already used to behaving the way they have been for that length of time. However, if an individual is truly determined, then they will be able to go through a catharsis, and become the better person that they are meant to be. What many people don't seem to notice is that the realization itself is a step towards betterment, and this is where the true catharsis begins.
In Greek tragedies we very often see the protagonists go through a catharsis, for we know that this hero is never perfect. Oedipus Rex himself goes through one, when he realizes that he was not able to avoid his much dreaded fate, and instead of ignoring it, he walked right into this. When Oedipus learned of his cruel actions he tore out his own eyes, blinding himself. Jacosta too went through a catharsis by killing herself when she learned of the truth.