Tragedy and Comedy Tragedy Begins with NOBLE CHARACTERS
Tragedy and Comedy
Tragedy • Begins with NOBLE CHARACTERS – better than ourselves • Involves a CHANGE IN FORTUNE – usually a fall • Fall is caused by HAMARTIA – Fatal flaw • Ends in CATHARSIS – Release of emotion
Aristotle’s Tragedy 1. The tragic hero is not an ordinary man. 4. His punishment not wholly deserved 2. The tragic hero is good, but not perfect 5. Tragic fall not a pure loss – – Exceeds the crime Change from ignorance to knowledge 3. His downfall is his 6. Should be sad, but not leave audience own fault depressed.
How do Romeo & Juliet Fit Tragedy? 1. The tragic hero is not an ordinary man. 4. His punishment not wholly deserved 2. The tragic hero is good, but not perfect 5. Tragic fall not a pure loss – – Exceeds the crime Change from ignorance to knowledge 3. His downfall is his 6. Should be sad, but not leave audience own fault depressed.
Comedy Scornful Romantic • Laughing comedy • Smiling comedy • Older and more dominant • Focuses on sympathetic characters • Points out Human Limitations – Sensible and good • Situation is challenging • Function is critical and corrective • May have ridiculous and folly filled secondary characters
Two Other Terms Melodrama • Simplified Conflict – Good vs. Evil Farce • Goal is rousing explosive laughter • Character is forsaken for sensational plot improbable situation and coincidence • Good always triumphs over evil • Often physical and “punny” in its humor
Hamlet! Our Tragedy
Make Character Predictions 1. Read the Character Description 2. Answer the Following: 1. What is your character’s name and position? 2. How is he/she connected to Hamlet? What do they think of him? 3. What motivates your character in this play? 4. What do you think they might do? 3. Be prepared to “act” the part
What do you Remember? • Fill out the character chart—with just what you remember! • Can’t remember much? Mingle again!
Read Act 1 HOMEWORK:
- Slides: 10