Classical Drama

Tragedy

Tragedy: a dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character who is involved in historically or socially significant events.

According to Aristotle in his Poetics, tragedy is good for the state (political) because people go to the theater and are purged of their emotions; they, as a result, leave more docile (calm).
A good tragedy can recreate. This has to do with the belief in a cosmic order, of nobility and dignity. Sometimes the sacrifice of one person regains the cosmic order, and society is better off (also, the idea of the scapegoat—one must fall/suffer for the rest to remain whole).

Tragic Hero

1.Morality – he is neither extremely virtuous nor extremely vicious. He is not outstanding, but is most like us. (He wouldn’t have a tragic flaw if he were too good!)

2.He has a tragic flaw (hamartia) – this can be a misstep, a misjudgment, an error that brings about his own destruction. There is something within his character that contributes to or brings about his destruction. It is a virtue carried to excess, usually a minor thing, like HUBRIS (excessive pride).

3.Social position – a tragic figure must be famous or prosperous.

Possible reasons: 1) He has more to lose.

2) He is supposed to be a leader of society.

3) More than just himself is affected.

Suffering and misfortune (peripeteia) – he undergoes a change of fortune that brings about suffering or death. The suffering is not always physical; it can be mental torture (psychological). The suffering is often unwarranted; it may not be deserved.
Tragic recognition (anagnorisis)– When the hero recognizes what he has done, the reader can sympathize with him. This recognition comes at a reversal in situation.
Catharsis – If he is a good tragic hero, a purging of the emotions of pity and fear (catharsis), a sympathy, a release of the emotions, will occur within the audience.