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Name: Date: Period: .

TRAGEDY

Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy A tragedy is the imitation of an action (1) that is serious, has magnitude, and is complete in itself; (2) in language with plea- surable accessories, each kind introduced separately in different parts of the work; (3) in a dramatic form as distinct from a narrative form; (4) with incidents arousing pity and fear, whereby to provide an outlet for such emotions.

Elements of Tragedy

~ Should have a protagonist worthy of interest, concern or sympathy - Evil or depraved character cannot be tragic heroes ~ The tragic hero should not be perfect or an embodiment of virtues. ~ The disaster that befalls the protagonist should be inevitable - Either decreed by fate or the outcome of his actions or choices ~ The protagonist must fight for a noble cause. ~ The world must be turbulent in order to play havoc with the protagonist. - The death or defeat of the protagonist seems to restore order, but it is just on illusion. - Disequilibrium of the universe is an essential of tragedy.

Characteristics of a Tragic Hero

~ A belief in his own freedom - makes choices - possesses the faith and courage to accept outcomes of his choices ~ A supreme pride - seems to demonstrate a superiority to other human beings and an equality with gods - gives a unique power and dignity ~ Capacity for suffering - suffers because he believes in what he is doing - feels both guilt and guiltlessness - justifies actions, yet not convinced they are just - no fear of death ~ A sense of commitment - an inevitability moves him to the resolution ~ Vigorous protest - does not accept fate quietly - blames everyone for his position ~ Transfiguration - learns from his agony - softened by his experiences ~ Impact - outcome is a deeper understanding of the human condition

Name: Date: Period: . Tragedy and the Tragic Hero

Elements of Tragedy Does John Textual Evidence Proctor fit?

~ Should have a protagonist worthy of interest, concern or sympathy - Evil or depraved character cannot be tragic heroes

~ The tragic hero should not be perfect or an embodiment of virtues

~ The disaster that befalls the protagonist should be inevitable - Either decreed by fate or the outcome of his actions or choices

~ The protagonist must fight for a noble cause

~ The world must be turbulent in order to play havoc with the protagonist. - The death or defeat of the protagonist seems to restore order, but it is just on illusion. - Disequilibrium of the universe is an essential of tragedy. Does John Characteristics of a Tragic Hero Proctor Textual Evidence fit?

~ A belief in his own freedom - makes choices - possesses the faith and courage to accept outcomes of his choices

~ A supreme pride - seems to demonstrate a superiority to other human beings and an equality with gods - gives a unique power and dignity

~ Capacity for suffering - suffers because he believes in what he is doing - feels both guilt and guiltlessness - justifies actions, yet not convinced they are just - no fear of death

~ A sense of commitment - an inevitability moves him to the resolution

~ Vigorous protest - does not accept fate quietly - blames everyone for his position

~ Transfiguration - learns from his agony - softened by his experiences

~ Impact - outcome is a deeper understanding of the human condition