1. Tragedy

2. Classical Tragedy Its beginning was in Ancient Greece
Over 2,000 years old
Aristotle was the “Father of Greek Tragedy”
Perhaps the oldest genre
Highest form of drama

3. Characteristics of Tragic Hero
Position of high estate
A fall from prosperity to misery
Basically good person
Tragic flaw leads to destruction

4. Shakespearean tragedy and Classical tragedy are unlike in some ways.

5. Differences
Shakespeare’s tragedies. . .
Include subplots.
Use Comic relief
Lead up to and includes death of hero
Proceed mainly from action of men

6. Shakespeare’s heroes have a particular obsession; a marked one-sidedness; a fatal tendency

7. Tragedy creates a catharsis or release of emotion in the audience.