Macbeth Literary Elements tragedy o o A literary

Macbeth Literary Elements

tragedy o o A literary work depicting serious events in which the main character comes to an unhappy end. Elements of a Tragedy: n n n o Main character is dignified, courageous, and high ranking (tragic hero) Downfall of main character, caused by tragic flaw Tragic hero becomes aware of his nearing downfall Examples n n Romeo & Juliet Macbeth Hamlet Othello

tragic hero o o A great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering or defeat because of a tragic flaw. Example: n Oedipus Rex

tragic flaw o o A weakness or character flaw that leads a tragic hero to his downfall. Example: n n Romeo & Juliet – strong passion Hamlet – indecision and doubt Oedipus Rex – arrogance Macbeth - ? ? ?

Drama Terms o o o monologue – a long speech delivered by a character in front of other characters on stage soliloquy – a long speech delivered by a character who is thinking aloud to him/herself aside – a comment made by one character to another character or to the audience that the rest of the characters cannot hear

Drama Terms (continued) o characterization – the way an author presents characters. n n o symbol – anything that stands for something else n o o direct – when a character is described by the author, narrator, or other characters indirect – when a character reveals his/her traits through action and speech Example: The crown symbolizes the throne/becoming king. tone – the writer’s attitude toward material and/or readers. The tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious, ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc. theme – the recurring ideas explored in a work of literature (usually insights about life, etc. )

Drama Terms (continued) o simile – a comparison of two dissimilar things using “like” or “as” n o metaphor – a comparison of two dissimilar things which does not use “like” or “as” n o Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun. Example: My soul is an enchanted boat. paradox – a statement whose 2 parts seem contradictory, yet make sense with more thought. These statements catch the reader’s attention and give emphasis. n n Example: Deep down he’s really very shallow. Example: Fair is foul, and foul is fair.

Drama Terms (continued) o o o catharsis – emotional or intellectual cleansing, which occurs when the audience understands the tragic hero’s fate. apostrophe – a direct address to a person, thing, or abstraction. Apostrophes are usually capitalized: “O Western Wind, ” “Ah, Sorrow you consume me. ” foil – a secondary character who contrasts with a major character.