Tragic Hero

1. Tragic Hero

2. The Tragic Hero • Noble by birth • Responsible for own fate • Possess a tragic flaw • Tragic flaw leads to downfall, often death • Reversal of hero’s fortune is brought about by tragic flaw • Discovery: characters realizes that reversal was brought about by hero’s own action • Hero faces and accepts death with honor • Audience must feel dramatic irony for the character • Dies a heroic death

3. Tragic Hero Essay • Using the prompt provided, explain how Caesar exhibits qualities of a tragic hero and write a five paragraph essay. • Brainstorm each bullet, then choose three that convincingly develops your argument. Must show brainstorm. • Noble by birth • Tragic flaw • Responsible for own fate • Downfall • Faces death with honor • Discovery

4. Case Studies • Case 1 – Hamlet, Prince of Denmark • The hero of this famous play by Shakespeare is a sensitive and subtle thinker, but his ability to see all sides of an issue make it almost impossible for him to take decisive action. When his father’s ghost appears and demands that he be avenged, Hamlet’s inability to act stirs up a host of resentments and plots against him. Near the end, Hamlet discovers the value of action and dies heroically, finally avenging his father and cleansing Denmark of evil. • Yes

5. Case 2 – Frank Yanko • Frank Yanko represents what’s best about the United States. Frank sells used cars in southern New Hampshire. He is successful, makes a fair amount of money, and seems happy much of the time. He is a good father and a supportive, faithful husband. Frank gets along well with his neighbors, is a member of two civic groups, and attends church regularly. He goes out of his way to be helpful to the older, less able neighbors. • No

6. Case 3 – Macbeth • The Thane of Cawdor is a great soldier and a brave man, but the central figure of the Shakespearean play is also a secretly ambitious man. When the king visits the castle, Macbeth kills the king and takes control of the country. Macbeth’s violent attempts to conceal his guilt and consolidate his power provoke more and more opposition. In the end these forces overwhelm him. Before his death, however, Macbeth attains new insight into himself and dies bravely, his former nobility and courage restored. • Yes

7. Case 4 – Ronald Reagan • A sports reporter from a small Midwestern town, Ronal Reagan became a Hollywood screen actor achieving wealth and fame. He was elected head of the Screen Actors’ Guild and became an effective politician and a great communicator. He ran for President of the United States and won. His unprecedented move from actor to President of the United States caused many to consider him one of the most effective politicians of the last twenty years. • No

8. Ahab • Read p. 282-289 • As you read, brainstorm a list of characteristics that either prove or disprove the tragic hero status of Ahab. • You will then write an explanation of your decision. Back your argument with examples from the passage. • Length=Quality not quantity

9. Develop your Own Tragic hero • After analyzing Caesar, Ahab, and Anakin Skywalker • With a partner: • Develop a character that would classify as a tragic hero. • Write a myth about your hero. • List the reasons for why your character qualifies as a tragic hero. • Be prepared to read your myth and reasoning in class on Thursday. • Earn a possible 40 points for tragic hero presentation.