1. Starter Activity How is the theme of ‘tragedy’ relevant to the play? Write one idea on a post-it and stick on the board.

2. How does Arthur Miller portray Eddie Carbone as a tragic hero?

3. Greek Tragedy Does anyone know what a Greek tragedy entails?Does anyone know what a Greek tragedy entails? Prologue Greek tragedies often contain a prologue, where an individual character gives background information to the audience, which allows them to understand the context of the upcoming drama. Tragic Hero In ancient tragedies, the main character (the protagonist) usually has a tragic flaw (which often brings about their own downfall). Their downfall often brings the audience to feel pity or fear. Often, the actions of a tragic hero affects their whole community.

4. We are going to be working on an exam question. How does Arthur Miller portray Eddie Carbone as a tragic hero? The key word is HOW Miller gives Eddie the characteristics of a typical tragic hero and the places Eddie in a play that fits the conventions of tragedy.

5. There are 8 parts to this question. You are going to be preparing an answer to this question. I have made a planning sheet to use this lesson to prepare your answer. This essay will need to be completed over Easter.

6. 1)What is a tragic hero? 1) What is a tragic hero? What is traditionally expected for this character? What does Arthur Miller say about Eddie’s role in the community?

7. 2) Eddie’s heroic actions In what ways is Eddie a tragic hero? Are his actions heroic? Does he match the traditional view of a hero?

8. 3) Staging of the play How might the stage appear to the audience at the beginning of the play? Is this set up for tragedy? What might they expect from such a setting?

9. 4) Alfieri’s actions What is Alfieri’s role in the play? Look at his introduction at the beginning of the play. How is his role established?

10. 5) Tragic Flaw What is Eddie’s tragic flaw? -Look at the part where Eddie comes home drunk. What does this show? -Look at the discussion between Beatrice and Catherine about Eddie. What does this show?

11. 6) Honour Honour is an important theme in the play as a whole. Find two sections that you think show the importance of honour to Eddie. How would the audience feel at these points?

12. 7) Outcome of the play Is the outcome of the play inevitable? How important is ‘fate’ in the outcome of the play? What elements lead to Eddie’s downfall?

13. 8) Eddie’s suitability Is Eddie a suitable tragic hero?

14. What have you achieved? You should now have a clear understanding of the play and Eddie’s character. You are now going to complete this question and finish it for homework revision over Easter.