Shakespearean Tragedy and the Tragic Hero

Shakespearean tragedy follows a pattern

• Establishes the hero (sometimes his heroism is thrust upon him)

• Illustrates the hero’s fall

• Recognizes a fatal flaw in the hero (hamartia)

• Some balance is restored

He/she is a noble character: both in high birth, but also has nobility of spirit

The hero falls from his high position; fate may be a factor in the fall

He/she contributes to his/her own downfall and tragic end. He /she faces death with honour

The Tragic Hero

Three Factors that Contribute to the Tragedy

TRAGEDY:downfall and death

FATE SOCIETY CHARACTER HIMSELF

The Tragic Vision

• The conclusion is inevitable and catastrophic• The protagonist suffers terribly, and the audience

experiences pity and fear. These emotions are purged in a catharsis

• This suffering is disproportionate to the protagonist’s guilt

• The suffering is also redemptive, bringing about the capacity for learning and the acceptance of moral responsibility

The Tragic Plot:Exposition: (Act 1): introduce characters and circumstances

Rising Action: (usually Act 2) introduces conflict, builds tension,Focus on the hero and his decisions or lack thereof

Climax: high point in the hero’s fortune where he meets his first serious defeat (usually Act 3)

Falling Action: opposing force takes over ( Act 4)

Catastrophe: reversal of the protagonist’s fortunes (PERIPETEIA)results in the character’s death, which is usually a brighter prospect for him/her than living in disgrace