Shakespearean Tragedy and the Tragic Hero Shakespearean tragedy

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.

The Tragic Hero 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.

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.

Hamlet: Paraphrased by Chickens: Zombie Hamlet

Hamlet: Paraphrased by Chickens: CSI

Hamlet: Paraphrased by Chickens