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Tragedy: As a Literary Form. Purpose of Tragedy The purpose of tragedy is for the audience to have a cathartic experience. Why we “like” to cry at movies.

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Presentation on theme: "Tragedy: As a Literary Form. Purpose of Tragedy The purpose of tragedy is for the audience to have a cathartic experience. Why we “like” to cry at movies."— Presentation transcript:

1 Tragedy: As a Literary Form

2 Purpose of Tragedy The purpose of tragedy is for the audience to have a cathartic experience. Why we “like” to cry at movies or see a sad episode of a TV show. Tragedy is for the purpose of cleansing (catharsis) the emotions of pity and fear (pathos) in a safe setting. Catharsis = the arousal of pity and fear, and bringing about the “purgation” of such emotions Pathos = Pity and Fear “Tragedy is…an imitation of action…of incidents arousing pity and fear.” -Aristotle, The Poetics

3 The Tragic Plot Descent from prosperity to catastrophe A change of fortune (peripeteia) The fall from high standing to low (catastrophe) Gradual isolation of a hero (opposite a comedy where characters are integrated into society)

4 The Tragic Plot: 6 Phases Dilemma Choice Catastrophe Suffering Perception “reversal of intention” (peripeteia) & “recognition” (anagnorisis) Death

5 The Tragic Hero Representative of all people/sympathetic A person of high standing Greatness of spirit Vulnerable position (a great fall is possible) Power of choice…Tragic Choice (hamartia) Tragic flaw (hubris = pride) Moral failure Caused suffering (grave physical/mental suffering) Spectacle of exceptional calamity

6 Paradoxes of Tragedy Responsible and Deserving Agent and Victim Defeat and Victory Free Will and Fate Inspires both Sympathy and Criticism


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