TRAGEDY - Notes - 1 Nov 18
TRAGEDY - Notes - 1 Nov 18
The more plays you see and read, the more likely you’ll find yourself reacting differently
depending on the writer’s style, themes, characters, and dialogue. However, your response
definitely will be affected if you consider the type of play you’re experiencing.
Among the earliest of recorded dramas, tragedy has been considered by many critics as
humanity’s highest literary achievement. We date the tragedy of the ancient Greeks to
the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
The word “tragedy” derives from the Greek literally meaning “goat-song.” Explanations
for this include that early singers of dithyrambs may have worn goat skins, a goat may
have been sacrificed during this worship, or a goat skin may have adorned the altar. It’s
important to remember that these early hymns – and later plays- were to honor the god
Dionysus. One of his sacred animals was the goat.
Tragedy is a type of play in which the protagonist fails to achieve desired goals or is
overcome by opposing forces. The action usually ends with the protagonist’s death;
however, in some plays the character will live on having experienced a spiritual death
or a loss of innocence. This form of drama depicts the suffering of a heroic individual
who is often overcome by the very obstacles he is struggling to remove.
According to ARISTOTLE, the tragic protagonist is “better than the average person”,
but he or she is guilty of hamartia.
Hamartia and hubris are extremely similar in so much as one’s overwhelming pride
(hubris) can often lead to errors or shortcomings in judgment (hamartia).
Characteristics of Tragedy
Watch for catharsis- this is when the spectators are purged of their own emotions
of pity and fear through their vicarious participation in the drama.