Criteria of a Shakespearean Tragedy
1. A tragedy tells the story of the suffering in the heroes’’ lives and the events leading to death.
2. Misfortunes are not random; they are caused by the character’s actions and decisions.
3. Heroes are responsible for their own misfortune: when placed in certain situations the hero does something that triggers a chain of events that eventually leads to death.
4. The reader sees the events of the tragedy happening and as being caused by the character, sometimes perceived as foolish or bad decisions.
5. The hero comes to realize that they have caused the disaster (tragedy) but it is too late to prevent the hero’s death.
6. The hero dies at the end.
It is a tragedy if:
· The suffering is exceptional
· It befalls a main character
· It is generally unexpected by other characters
· It contrasts with a previous happiness OR glory
Shakespearean Tragic Hero
All tragedies need to have a Tragic Hero
and this hero needs to have a Fatal Flaw.
Tragic Hero- The hero, or “protagonist” of the play who is put into a situation of conflict which he must resolve. Misjudgment leads to the hero’s death through their own actions and decisions. He is often a man of high social standing.
Fatal Flaw – All of Shakespeare’s tragic heroes have a flawed nature or blind spot that leads to their downfall.
The Progress of a Tragic Plot
1. A person of high esteem is introduced
2. He/she has a flaw in their character
3. Time begins to pressure the hero, there is a sense of urgency
4. The hero misreads a situation or makes rationalizations
5. Murder, exile, or an alienation of friends and enemies occur
6. Gradually, the hero is isolated from everyone
7. The opposing forces make their move
8. The hero recognized the flaw but it is too late
9. He/she makes a last attempt to restore lost honor or greatness
10. The reader/audience recognizes the hero’s potential for greatness
11. The tragic death of the hero occurs
12. Order is restored to world of the play