Tragedy
What is Tragedy?
Catastrophe is part of tragedy, but a tragedy does not focus solely on the calamity itself.
Catastrophegreat, often sudden event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, severe affliction
Classical Tragedy
Elements first established by Aristotle:
Imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; the language is embellished with each kind of artistic ornament; has catharsis through pity and fear to enable the purging of these emotions (catharsis)
Elements of Classical Tragedy
Imitation
Created work of art by man
Consciously aware that the events, even if based on reality, are expressed artistically, which means they have certain artistic expectations.
Elements of Classical Tragedy
Action
sequence of events joined to create a whole
The events/action are developed to bring about a desired result
Elements of Classical Tragedy
Serious
The work of art deals with profound and universal problems of man
Some examples include purpose and destiny, good and evil, other forces greater than man
Elements of Classical Tragedy
Magnitude
Greatness of rank or position
reached by heroic stature of characters;
use of poetry (elevated use of language) to achieve meaning
Character
Central character is usually high born, noble
The importance of the character reflects how serious the work of art is
Character in Classical Tragedy
An active protagonist is in conflict with opposing forces.
The character moves from fortune to misfortune
Conflict is internal, comes from spiritual realm, tests characters integrity
Catharsis
The purging of emotions through pity and fear
Pitysharing in grief, compassion
Fearanxious concern, awe, reverence (think God)
We purge to reach tranquility
Tragic Hero
The central character (protagonist) in a tragedy.
The tragic hero represents universal human qualities and is essentially good, but flawed.
Flaw reflects errors in judgment tends to reflect errors in judgment.
Tragic Hero Characteristics
Is noble or high bornLink to “Things Fall Apart” story:
https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/K6VMedMRtwYZgIkkMchdXL4L1NPrA9UgqYAgYZtFvNWU9Scc.pdf
On separate pages write 2 discussions for these 2 questions –
1. What are some of Okonkwos characteristics? Think of how youd describe him to someone who has not met him. Is he someone youd like or dislike? Why? Based on what youve read so far, is Okonkwo representative of the community or too exceptional to represent the everyday man or woman in Umuofia? Explain your response.
2. How does Ikemefuna come to stay in Umuofia? What eventually happens to him? How do Okonkwos actions in this occurrence reflect any of the characteristics of tragic hero you read about in the PowerPoint?
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