Archetype

TRAGEDIES ANDTHE TRAGIC HERO

TRAGEDY• A story about an important and heroic figure, who by

his own fault and his fate causes his downfall.

• Should evoke “fear and pity”:

• Fear that if this could happen to a great man it could happen to any man;

• Pity because we understand the character’s faults and motivations and want him to succeed.

TRAGIC HEROES• Aristotle said, “the change of fortune presented must not

be the spectacle of a virtuous man brought from prosperity to adversity.“

• Has good intentions but also hubris (a sense of entitlement; he believes he is indestructible and as great as the gods or forces of fate)

• Ignores warnings and omens

• Is great and is therefore subject to and fated for a great end (his fall from grace).

TRAGIC PLOT: 1) GREATNESS

Starts off heroic with good intentions; he is a king, figurehead, etc. NOTE: All tragic heroes are first epic, but not all epic heroes become tragic.

TRAGIC PLOT: 2) FALL

Because of a mixture of hubris and fate, makes a grave mistake and is smote by the gods. The fall is tragic b/c he was so great and falls so far.

TRAGIC PLOT: 2) DARKNESS

Experiences darkest moment, literally or figuratively. He becomes aware of and regrets his hubris.

TRAGIC PLOT: 3) NO REDEMPTION

Tries to redeem himself, but it is too late: his actions have irreversible consequences. He has failed.

“THE INTERLOPERS” BY SAKI: A MODERN TRAGEDY?

• This story is about a blood feud that carries on throughout the generations. It is called “The Interlopers” which means the trespassers.

• Consider the tragic plot, the Lord’s Prayer, and the ending:

• Is this a story about forgiving those who’ve trespassed against you (an allegory of the Lord’s Prayer)? (In other words, it’s never too late to forgive.)

OR

• Is this a tragic tale meant to evoke fear and pity when they forgive too late?