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Tragedies and The Tragic Hero. Archetype. 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”: F ear that if this could happen to a great man it could happen to any man;
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Tragedies andThe Tragic Hero Archetype
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.
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).
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.
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.
Tragic Plot: 2) Darkness Experiences darkest moment, literally or figuratively. He becomes aware of and regrets his hubris.
Tragic Plot: 3) No redemption Tries to redeem himself, but it is too late: his actions have irreversible consequences. He has failed.
“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?