1. Elements of Tragedy GreekElizabethan American Theater From Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy found in his work POETICS

2. Aristotle’s elements of tragedy -- In the 5 th Century B.C. Aristotle (Greek) noted that a tragedy must contain the following elements. Aristotle’s elements of tragedy -- In the 5 th Century B.C. Aristotle (Greek) noted that a tragedy must contain the following elements. tragic hero – generally of high status who possesses a weakness tragic hero – generally of high status who possesses a weakness tragic flaw – this ultimately causes the character’s downfall tragic flaw – this ultimately causes the character’s downfall catastrophe – The concluding action of a drama, especially a classical tragedy, following the climax and containing a resolution of the plot; this and the revolution leave the audience with a feeling of catharsis catastrophe – The concluding action of a drama, especially a classical tragedy, following the climax and containing a resolution of the plot; this and the revolution leave the audience with a feeling of catharsis catharsis – a cleansing through emotions catharsis – a cleansing through emotions

3. Basic Elements Hero faces an overwhelming conflict Hero faces an overwhelming conflict Hero has a tragic flaw Hero has a tragic flaw Hero takes a fall Hero takes a fall Order is restored Order is restored

4. Greek Tragedy Hero is elevated Hero is elevated Story has to occur within 24 hours Story has to occur within 24 hours Little or no humor Little or no humor Religious in nature: Gods and Goddesses Religious in nature: Gods and Goddesses Audience has catharsis Audience has catharsis Supernatural elements Supernatural elements

5. Elizabethan Tragedy Comic Relief included Comic Relief included May last more than 24 hours May last more than 24 hours Characters elevated Characters elevated Revenge is very often involved Revenge is very often involved Supernatural elements Supernatural elements

6. American Tragedy Character need not be elevated Character need not be elevated Humor may or may not be included Humor may or may not be included Not necessarily a religious background Not necessarily a religious background Focuses on failure, guilt, responsibility for one’s own actions, Focuses on failure, guilt, responsibility for one’s own actions, The effects of society on the individual The effects of society on the individual

7. Works Cited http://www2.cnr.edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics.h tml http://www2.cnr.edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics.h tml http://www.usd306.k12.ks.us/classroom/tanders on/notes.htm http://www.usd306.k12.ks.us/classroom/tanders on/notes.htm British Literature Macbeth Terms to Know British Literature Macbeth Terms to Know www.pirateplayers.wikispaces.com www.pirateplayers.wikispaces.com http://www.bachelorandmaster.com/globaldram a/death-of-a-salesman-as-a-play-about- american-tragedy.html#.VR1BJU_ws5s http://www.bachelorandmaster.com/globaldram a/death-of-a-salesman-as-a-play-about- american-tragedy.html#.VR1BJU_ws5s