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The Tragic Hero

The Tragic Hero. Julius Caesar. Tragic Hero Background. A tragic hero is often used in Shakespearean literature. This model of a hero may not always be a “good guy”. The tragic hero has made its way into more contemporary literature because audiences can relate to them.

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The Tragic Hero

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  1. The Tragic Hero Julius Caesar

  2. Tragic Hero Background • A tragic hero is often used in Shakespearean literature. • This model of a hero may not always be a “good guy”. • The tragic hero has made its way into more contemporary literature because audiences can relate to them. • A tragic hero follows a twelve step pattern. 

  3. What Defines Shakespearean Tragedy?   • A Tragic Hero  • The Tragic Flaw-Hamartia • Reversal of Fortune • Catharsis • Restoration of Social Order –Denouement

  4. Tragic Hero Traits • The tragic hero is someone we, as an audience, look up to—someone superior. • The tragic hero is nearly perfect, and we identify with him/her • The hero has one flaw or weakness • We call this the ‘tragic flaw’, ‘fatal flaw’, or hamartia

  5. Reversal of Fortune  • The ‘fatal flaw’ brings the hero down from his/her elevated state. • Renaissance audiences were familiar with the ‘wheel of fortune’ or ‘fickle fate’. • What goes up, must come down.

  6. Catharsis •  We get the word ‘catharsis’ from Aristotle’s katharsis. • ‘Catharsis’ is the audience’s purging of emotions through pity and fear. • The spectator is purged as a result of watching the hero fall. • This is why we cry during movies!

  7. Restoration of Social Order  • Tragedies include a private and a public element • The play cannot end until society is, once again, at peace. • This is why the Tragic Hero often dies!

  8. Tragic Hero Pattern • Step 1 – A protagonist of high estate •  Step 2 – A tragic flaw in character  • Step 3 – Intrusion of time, sense of urgency •  Step 4 – Misreading/Rationalizations • Step 5 – Murder, exile, alienation of enemies and allies • Step 6 – Gradual isolation of Tragic Hero

  9. Tragic Hero Pattern • Step 7 – Mobilization of opposition  • Step 8 – Recognition of tragic flaw, too late • Step 9 – Last courageous attempt to restore greatness.  • Step 10 – Audience recognizes potential for greatness.  • Step 11 – Death of tragic hero. • Step 12 – Restoration of order.    

  10. Back to the Text Step 1: Sit with your partner Step 2: Read the synopsis together Step 3: Complete the 12 Step Chart by analyzing how the play’s storyline follows the path of the Tragic Hero. FOCUS: Who is the Tragic Hero of Julius Caesar?

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