Features of Tragedy

Question 1

The Basic Plot Pattern

Answer 1

A protagonist who desires something, obstacles come in the way of this. The protagonist does not overcome these obstacles and they ultimately destroy him. Ends in division, divorce, death, alienation or satisfaction. (Blanche DuBois).

Question 2

Background of Ancient Greek Tragedy

Answer 2

Oldest genre in literature, evolved out of ancient greek celebrations of Dionysus (God of wine and fertility). Aristotle claimed that tragedy elicits “pleasure” from the audience.

Political, social and religious life of the Ancient Greeks. Held in an Olympiad performances annually, mandatory to attend.

Question 3

The Tragic Hero

Answer 3

Falls from the height of his power or stature. The tragic hero often experiences a final fall after recognition where he becomes aware.

Question 4

Tragic Flaw / Hamartia

Answer 4

An existential notion of human frailties or weaknesses which prods the tragic hero into disaster. Can include a tragic circumstance such as fate.

Question 5

Fate / Freewill

Answer 5

Debate between how much the tragic outcome in a play is a result of fate and how much is free-will.

Question 6

Resolution / Ending

Answer 6

The climax/resolution elicits catharsis in the viewer/reader, coming out of the tragedy feeling cleansed or relieved. The peripeteia (plot twist) can exacerbate the tragedy, twists the play into a tragic ending. E.g: The sexual assault of Blanche.