The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero

1. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero *Mrs. Blocher *Honors English II * 2012-2013*

2. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero • Noble Stature • Tragedy involves the "fall" of a tragic hero, so the hero must have a lofty position to fall from. • Tragedies involving people of stature affect the lives of others. • Example: In the case of a king, the tragedy would not only involve the individual and his family, it would also involve the whole society.

3. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero • Tragic Flaw • The tragic hero must "fall" due to some flaw in his own personality. • The most common tragic flaw is hubris (excessive pride). • Anyone who tries to attain too much possesses hubris.

4. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero • Free Choice • While there is often a discussion of the role of fate in the downfall of a tragic hero, there must be an element of choice in order for there to be a true tragedy. • The tragic hero falls because he chooses one course of action over another.

5. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero • The Punishment Exceeds the Crime • The audience must not be left feeling that the tragic hero got what he deserved. • Part of what makes the action "tragic" is to witness the injustice of what has occurred to the tragic hero.

6. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero • Hero has Increased Awareness • It is crucial that the tragic hero come to some sort of an understanding of what went wrong or of what was really going on before he comes to his end.

7. The Characteristics of an "Archetypal" Tragic Hero • Produces Catharsis in Audience • Catharsis is a feeling of emotional cleansing, or emptying, that an audience feels after witnessing the story of a tragic hero: we feel emotionally drained, but triumphant.

8. Things Fall Apart • Okonkwo is the protagonist. • Things Fall Apart can be considered a tragedy, because: • Okonkwobegins the novel with power, wealth, and status. • Okonkwo’sactions/choices, in combination with circumstances beyond his control, lead to an eventual “tragic downfall” from his high position. • Okonkwo’shas one or two flaws that could be seen as his “tragic flaw.”

9. Things Fall Apart • Focus on Okonkwo’s: • Fears • Beliefs • History with his father • Flaws

10. Things Fall Apart • When analyzing and trying to understand the Ibo culture and their way of life, pay attention to: • Government • Festivals/traditions • Religion • Food • Economy • Folk tales and proverbs • Gender roles (i.e. male-dominated society)