CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASSICAL GREEK TRAGEDY ELIZABETHAN TRAGEDY GREEK
CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASSICAL GREEK TRAGEDY/ ELIZABETHAN TRAGEDY
GREEK TRAGEDIES v 1. Aristotle – the plot must be unified in: a) Time (covering the length of how long it took to v 2. Protagonist is a “great man” a) renowned write it) b) In place- only in one location c) In action- all incidents revolve around 1 action Noble in birth, rich, b) Noble character c) Legendary figure
v 3. The tragedy involves progression of the hero from a peak of success to state of disaster (shows what he might have been) v 4. Progression results from: a) A twist of fate b) Tragic flaw (Hamartia ie. Pride, jealousy)
v 5. Aim- a)appeal to pathos (ie. fear, sadness, pity) rather than instructional (didactic) b) Cartharsis – a purging of emotions, where the audience may feel relief or sadness 6. Meant to ask profound questions 7. The form is drama; written poetically 8. The protagonist almost never dies 9. Solemn tone throughout 10. Focuses on universal views from characters
THE ELIZABETHAN TRAGEDY v Wanted to please the v 3) Not as solemn as audience Greek trag. / many comic v 1) spectacle – costumes diversions and sets were elaborate, v 4) focuses on the lively music, a lot of physical situations and actions of the action on stage unique individual v 2) Protagonist almost always dies
THE TRAGEDY ARCHETYPE v Archetype – a story pattern, a character pattern v It has been around for a long time and is often reoccurring v Ex – river= journey through life
THE TRAGIC HERO v The tragic hero is a noble man v Though he may be great, he is not perfect v The hero’s downfall is usually his own fault v Nevertheless, the hero’s misfortune is not wholly deserved v Yet the tragic fall is not pure loss v Though it is sad, it doesn’t leave the audience depressed v There can be a feeling of exhilaration
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