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Published byMercy Melton Modified over 9 years ago
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Shakespearean Tragedy and the Tragic Hero
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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
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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 The Tragic Hero
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Three Factors that Contribute to the Tragedy TRAGEDY: downfall and death FATESOCIETY CHARACTER HIMSELF
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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
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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
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