1. Archetype TRAGEDIES AND THE TRAGIC HERO

2. TRAGEDY A story about an important and heroic figure, who by his own fault and his fate causes his downfall. Should evoke “fear and pity”: Fear that if this could happen to a great man it could happen to any man; Pity because we understand the character’s faults and motivations and want him to succeed.

3. TRAGIC HEROES Aristotle said, “the change of fortune presented must not be the spectacle of a virtuous man brought from prosperity to adversity.“ Has good intentions but also hubris (a sense of entitlement; he believes he is indestructible and as great as the gods or forces of fate) Ignores warnings and omens Is great and is therefore subject to and fated for a great end (his fall from grace).

4. TRAGIC PLOT: 1) GREATNESS Starts off heroic with good intentions; he is a king, figurehead, etc. NOTE: All tragic heroes are first epic, but not all epic heroes become tragic.

5. TRAGIC PLOT: 2) FALL Because of a mixture of hubris and fate, makes a grave mistake and is smote by the gods. The fall is tragic b/c he was so great and falls so far.

6. TRAGIC PLOT: 2) DARKNESS Experiences darkest moment, literally or figuratively. He becomes aware of and regrets his hubris.

7. TRAGIC PLOT: 3) NO REDEMPTION Tries to redeem himself, but it is too late: his actions have irreversible consequences. He has failed.

8. “THE INTERLOPERS” BY SAKI: A MODERN TRAGEDY? This story is about a blood feud that carries on throughout the generations. It is called “The Interlopers” which means the trespassers. Consider the tragic plot, the Lord’s Prayer, and the ending: Is this a story about forgiving those who’ve trespassed against you (an allegory of the Lord’s Prayer)? (In other words, it’s never too late to forgive.) OR Is this a tragic tale meant to evoke fear and pity when they forgive too late?