1. Macbeth Literary Elements

2. tragedy  A literary work depicting serious events in which the main character comes to an unhappy end.  Elements of a Tragedy: Main character is dignified, courageous, and high ranking (tragic hero) Downfall of main character, caused by tragic flaw Tragic hero becomes aware of his nearing downfall  Examples Romeo & Juliet Macbeth Hamlet Othello

3. tragic hero  A great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering or defeat because of a tragic flaw.  Example: Oedipus Rex

4. tragic flaw  A weakness or character flaw that leads a tragic hero to his downfall.  Example: Romeo & Juliet – strong passion Hamlet – indecision and doubt Oedipus Rex – arrogance Macbeth - ???

5. Drama Terms  monologue – a long speech delivered by a character in front of other characters on stage  soliloquy – a long speech delivered by a character who is thinking aloud to him/herself  aside – a comment made by one character to another character or to the audience that the rest of the characters cannot hear

6. Drama Terms (continued)  characterization – the way an author presents characters. direct – when a character is described by the author, narrator, or other characters indirect – when a character reveals his/her traits through action and speech  symbol – anything that stands for something else Example: The crown symbolizes the throne/becoming king.  tone – the writer’s attitude toward material and/or readers. The tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious, ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc.  theme – the recurring ideas explored in a work of literature (usually insights about life, etc.)

7. Drama Terms (continued)  simile – a comparison of two dissimilar things using “like” or “as” Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun.  metaphor – a comparison of two dissimilar things which does not use “like” or “as” Example: My soul is an enchanted boat.  paradox – a statement whose 2 parts seem contradictory, yet make sense with more thought. These statements catch the reader’s attention and give emphasis. Example: Deep down he’s really very shallow. Example: Fair is foul, and foul is fair.

8. Drama Terms (continued)  catharsis – emotional or intellectual cleansing, which occurs when the audience understands the tragic hero’s fate.  apostrophe – a direct address to a person, thing, or abstraction. Apostrophes are usually capitalized: “O Western Wind,” “Ah, Sorrow you consume me.”  foil – a secondary character who contrasts with a major character.