Genre Flashcards
What is the genre of the play?
Southern Gothic, following some elements of a Greek Tragedy.
Tragedy
A play depicting the downfall of a noble hero/heroine, usually due to fate, the will of the Gods, or their own pride.
Hubris
Excessive pride or self-confidence.
Hamartia
A tragic hero’s fatal flaw.
Peripeteia
When a tragic hero undergoes a change or reversal in fortune.
Anagnorisis
A tragic hero’s revelation, recognition, or discovery about fate, destiny, or the will of the Gods.
Catharsis
Purification, giving audiences a sense of resolution.
Who is notable figure within the tragedy genre?
Aristotle.
How does Aristotle define a tragedy?
An imitation of reality, an action with serious implications, action taking place in sequence.
The Three Unities - Time
The action in a tragedy should take place over 24 hours.
The Three Unities - Place
The tragedy should take place in one physical location.
The Three Unities - Action
A tragedy should have one principal action.
Pathos
Suffering.
Freytag’s Pyramid
A formula for a tragedy. Introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, catastrophe.
Melodrama
Plays with very theatrical, explosive events, and exaggerated emotions.
