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Explore the essence of tragedy according to Aristotle, the elements of Greek and Shakespearean tragedy, the tragic hero, themes of revenge, and the differences between Greek and Elizabethan tragedy. Learn about the universal themes and structures that define this powerful genre.
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What Is Tragedy?Aristotle’s Definition a representation of an action that is worth serious attention, complete in itself, and of some amplitude; in language enriched by a variety of artistic devices appropriate to several part of the play; presented in the form of action, not narration, by means of pity and fear bringing about the purgation of such emotions
The Tragic Hero • a sort of man who is known for virtue and • justice, and whose fall into misery is not due to vice or depravity, but rather to some error, a man who enjoys prosperity and a high reputation like Oedipus.
Themes of Greek Tragedy • the position of man in the universe • the nothingness of man before gods • know thyself" or "know that thou (but) a man!“ • Divine punishment and human suffering • Revenge and Blood feud • evil, divine wrath and suffering
Elizabethan/Shakespearean Tragedy • a story of human action producing exceptional calamity and ending with the death of a man of a high estate. It often presents a conflict which terminates in a catastrophe. • a picture of life disturbed by the intrusion of a disruptive evil force, the apparent triumph of that force, and then the reassertion of a normality which has been strengthened through trial.
Themes of Shakespearean Tragedy • REVENGE: ITS CAUSES (Anger and hatred, jealousy, Pride and ambition (Hubris in Greek Tragedy), Envy, and lust for power. • The theme of the violation of natural order and the concept of the 'Divine right of kings'
Tragedy of Blood or Revenge Tragedy • a distinct species of the tragedy of blood.., a tragedy whose leading motive is revenge and whose main action deals with the progress of this revenge, leading to the deaths of the murderers and often the death of the avenger himself
Differences Between Greek and Elizabeth Tragedy Greek Tragedy commercial entertainment Elizabethan actors wore ordinary clothes. They could scuffle, fight - even 'die' - onstage. emotion over rules logic choruses only introduce the scene or the play have complex plots often involving intertwining subplots Man-Man relationship End with the death of the hero All the tragic main characters are males Elizabethan Tragedy • was performed as part of a religious festival • Greek actors wore elaborate costumes and masks, and parts of the dialogue was sung. Murders, fights and battles had to take place off-stage • logic over rules emotions • the chorus is always present on stage as a commentator • usually have one continuous simple plot • Man-god relationship • Does not necessarily end with the death of the hero • Some of the tragic characters are women
Similarities Between Greek and Elizabethan Tragedy • The main characters are doomed because of a singular fatal flaw. • They both also make use of dramatic irony . The fatal flaw of the character will either result in his own death or the deaths of his family and loved ones. • The tragic characters are from high ruling classes. • Violent and terrible scenes. • both theatres are intellectual -- the appeal is intellectual • Lofty language and seriousness • Performed to teach a lesson • Five-act structure • Mirror to society
