1. Aristotle’s Definition of a Tragic Hero

2. Essential Questions To what extent does Okonkwo fit Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero? What flaw leads to his downfall?

3. Aristotelian Tragedy Aristotle first defined tragedy in his book Poetics written in about 330 BC: “an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear affecting the proper purgation of these emotions”

4. In Plain English… Tragedy is any serious and dignified drama that describes a conflict between the hero (protagonist) and a superior force (destiny, chance, society, god) and reaches a sorrowful conclusion that arouses pity or fear in the audience.

5. Tragedy Deals with life’s bitterness and defeat Involves the fall of a great man from glory to utter defeat, disgrace, and death (king, national leader, brave warrior, hero) The suffering in these plays is largely physical and psychological

6. Shakespearean Tragedy A Tragic Hero The Tragic Flaw Reversal of Fortune Catharsis Restoration of Social Order

7. The Tragic Hero Is a person who is great and admirable in both his abilities and opportunities; someone the audience looks up to. Is a person so highly placed in society that his actions involve the well-being of all its members. Always capable of greatness

8. Tragic Hero Trait #1 The hero has a mixture of good and bad in his personality.

9. Tragic Hero Trait #2 He has a fatal flaw, or hamartia, which leads to his downfall.

10. Tragic Hero Trait #3 He usually goes on a journey or participates in a quest.

11. Tragic Hero Trait #4 He has a large capacity for suffering.

12. Tragic Hero Trait #5 His downfall is often preceded by self-realization.

13. Characteristics the Tragic Hero Capacity for suffering Suffers because he believes in what he is doing Justifies his actions even if he is not sure if they are just Possesses strength to endure pain inflicted Has no fear of death A sense of commitment Once the forces of the conflict are set in motion, he is committed. Vigorous protest Does not accept fate meekly Cries out against the gods, his own weakness, the world, and the forces that placed him in jeopardy.

14. The Tragic Flaw & the Tragic Hero Nearly perfect – has one tragic flaw or weakness - an interest or habit of mind that is all-absorbing and predisposes him/her in one particular direction. Eventually this flaw leads to his destruction The hero does not fall (die) alone. The hero’s fall makes us conscious of a feeling of waste. (What “might-have-been”)

15. Reversal of Fortune The fatal flaw brings the hero down from his elevated state. Renaissance audiences were familiar with the ‘wheel of fortune’ – what goes up must come down.

16. Catharsis The audience’s purging of emotions through pity and fear for the hero.

17. Restoration of Social Order The play cannot end until society is, once again, at peace.