Page "The Birth of Tragedy" Paragraph 3

Originally educated as a philologist, Nietzsche discusses the history of the tragic form and introduces an intellectual dichotomy between the Dionysian and the Apollonian ( very loosely: reality undifferentiated by forms versus reality as differentiated by forms ).

Nietzsche claims life always involves a struggle between these two elements, each battling for control over the existence of humanity.

In Nietzsche's words, " Wherever the Dionysian prevailed, the Apollonian was checked and destroyed .... wherever the first Dionysian onslaught was successfully withstood, the authority and majesty of the Delphic god Apollo exhibited itself as more rigid and menacing than ever.

" Yet neither side ever prevails due to each containing the other in an eternal, natural check, or balance.