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Tragic Notes. What is a tragedy?. A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character involved in historically or socially significant events. Greek Origins. Comedies and tragedies both originate from Greece, where they were performed as part of elaborate outdoor festivals.
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What is a tragedy? • A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character involved in historically or socially significant events
Greek Origins • Comedies and tragedies both originate from Greece, where they were performed as part of elaborate outdoor festivals. • Tragedies were called the “dying ones” • Tragedies produce catharsis- a cleansing or purging of emotions • The tragic flaw was Hubris- excessive pride that leads a tragic hero to challenge the gods • They featured a Chorus – a group of performers who stood outside the action and commented on characters and hinted at events to come • NO comic relief – following a serious scene with a lighter humorous one
Tragic Flaw • A fatal error in judgment or weakness in character that leads to his or her destruction
Tragic Plot • Events are set in motion by a decision that is often an error in judgment caused by the tragic flaw • Succeeding events linked in a cause-and-effect relationship that leads inevitably to a disastrous conclusion, usually death. • In the end, readers and viewers feel a sense of waste, because humans who were in some way superior have been destroyed
Tragic Hero • Protagonist or main character in a tragedy • Evokes pity and fear; • Pity for the hero because of his sufferings • Fear for all human beings subject to character flaws and an unknown destiny or fate because the problems and struggles faced by the tragic hero are perhaps a necessary part of human life. • He or she faces defeat with great courage and dignity • He or she usually recognizes his or her tragic flaw
Revenge Tragedy • Its plot centers around the tragic downfall or untimely demise of a protagonist caused by his or her pursuit and enactment of revenge • Deals with personal vendettas and revenging murders
Elements of a Tragedy(both Greek and Shakespearean) • The tragic hero comes to an unhappy or miserable end. • The tragic hero is generally a person of importance. • The tragic hero exhibits extraordinary abilities and a tragic flaw. • Outside forces or people, known as antagonists, may contribute to the hero's downfall. • A series of casually related events inevitably leads to the catastrophe involving the death of the tragic hero and others. • The tragic hero usually recognizes his or her tragic flaw and gains the audience's sympathy. • The tragic hero meets his or her doom with uncommon courage and dignity, reaffirming the grandeur of the human spirit.
Shakespeare’s Major Tragedies Here are a few things you may want to know about some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Romeo and Juliet A tale of teenaged lovers from two feuding families in Medieval Verona, Italy.
Julius Caesar focuses on the Roman Emperor Brutus, a close friend of Julius Caesar who reluctantly joins the plot to assassinate him.
Hamlet tells the story of a prince of Denmark whose procrastination leads to disaster.
Othello focuses on a North African soldier whose great flaw is "the green-eyed monster" known as jealousy.
King Lear tells of an aged monarch who fails to distinguish honesty from flattery.
Macbeth a powerful drama about ambition and murder
Important Vocabulary to Remember • Tragedy • Tragic Hero • Tragic Flaw • Hubris • Chorus • Catharsis • Comic Relief • Catastrophe • Antagonist • Protagonist
