Shakespearean Tragedy SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY FOLLOWS A PATTERN Establishes

Shakespearean Tragedy

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 • Some balance is restored.

The Tragic Hero He/she is a noble character: noble and high birth The hero falls from his/her 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/HERSELF

THE TRAGIC VISION • The conclusion is inevitable and catastrophic. • The protagonist suffers terribly, and the audience experiences pity and fear. • 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 results in the character’s death, which is usually a brighter Prospect for him/her than living in disgrace.