1. Shakespearean Tragedy

2. Shakespearean tragedy follows a pattern
Establishes the hero (sometimes his heroism is thrust upon him)
Illustrates the hero’s fall
Recognizes a fatal flaw in the hero
Some balance is restored.

3. The Tragic Hero He/she is a noble character: noble and high birth
The hero falls from his/her high position; fate may be a factor in the fall.
He/she contributes to his/her own downfall and tragic end. He/she faces death with honour.
The
Tragic Hero

4. Three Factors that Contribute to the Tragedy
downfall and death
FATE
SOCIETY
CHARACTER
HIMSELF/HERSELF

5. The Tragic Vision The conclusion is inevitable and catastrophic.
The protagonist suffers terribly, and the audience experiences pity and fear.
This suffering is disproportionate to the protagonist’s guilt
The suffering is also redemptive, bringing about the capacity for learning and the acceptance of moral responsibility.

6. The Tragic Plot:
Exposition/(Act 1): introduce characters and circumstances
Rising Action: (usually Act 2) introduces conflict, builds tension,
Focus on the hero and his decisions or lack thereof
Climax: high point in the hero’s fortune where he meets his first
serious defeat (usually Act 3)
Falling Action: opposing force takes over ( Act 4)
Catastrophe: reversal of the protagonist’s fortunes results in the character’s death, which is usually a brighter
Prospect for him/her than living in disgrace.