The Tragic Hero, According to Greek Tragedy Conventions

noble stature (i.e. the tragedy involves the “fall” of the hero who has a lofty position to fall from)

tragic flaw (Hamartia): “fall” due to flaw in personality (most common: hubris)

free choice (the hero “falls” because he chooses one course of action over another)

punishment exceeds the crime (injustice)

increased awareness (understanding of what went wrong before the end)

catharsis /kəˈθɑː(r)sɪs/ in the audience (“emotional purgation” – emotionally drained, but cleansed /klenz/)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Who made Macbeth a murderer?Can we hold Macbeth fully responsible for the evil

deeds in the play?If Macbeth is a tragic hero, what is Lady Macbeth?