1. Shakespearean Tragedy and the Tragic Hero

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 (hamartia)
Some balance is restored.

3. The Tragic Hero
He/she is a noble character: both in high birth, but also has nobility of spirit.
The hero falls from his 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.

4. Three Factors that Contribute to the Tragedy

5. The Tragic Vision The conclusion is inevitable and catastrophic.
The protagonist suffers terribly, and the audience experiences pity and fear. These emotions are purged in a catharsis.
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 (PERIPETEIA)
results in the character’s death,
which is usually a brighter prospect
for him/her than living in disgrace.

7. Hamlet: Paraphrased by Chickens: Zombie Hamlet

8. Hamlet: Paraphrased by Chickens: CSI

9. Hamlet: Paraphrased by Chickens