title: tragic hero and tragic flaw classical-to-modern.html#lesson
TRANSCRIPT
Title:Tragic Hero and
Tragic Flaw
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/tragedy-in-drama-classical-to-modern.html#lesson
Tragic Hero Background
“A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.”
-Aristotle
Tragic Hero Background
The tragic hero is a man of noble stature. He is not an ordinary man, but a man with outstanding quality and greatness about him. His own destruction is for a greater
cause or principle.
Born of Noble Birth
Typically a king or royalty
Someone that normal people would “look up to” or admire
Is neither completely good
nor completely evil,
but has a fatal flaw
Ultimate fate is a downfall, often death
Downfall seems more impressive due to a fall from a noble position
Consider: a man who spent his life alone, poor, dies alone and poor.
A King, once wealthy and loved,
dies alone and poor.
Fate is controlled by tragic flaw
May be injured, or may suffer losses of family or fortune
Is physically or emotionally wounded by experiences
Downfall is seen as a waste of human potential
The character’s suffering contributes to the theme or life lesson
Suffers more than he deserves
Audience feels pity for hero
Audience can identify with hero’s thoughts and actions
“Wait…this could happen to me!”
Downfall brings pity or fear
Tragic Hero’s Story: Key TermsHamartia: The tragic flaw that causes the hero's downfall.
Hubris: Excessive pride, or disrespect for the natural order
Peripeteia: A reversal of fortune
Anagnorisis: The moment when the hero makes a critical discovery
Nemesis: A fate that cannot be avoided, usually as retribution for hubris
Catharsis: The feeling of pity or fear the audience experiences after the hero's fall.
• Has outstanding quality or greatness, but audience must identify with him
• Are YOU perfect?
• Without imperfections,downfall would seem improbable or caused by fate only
Imperfect or “human” despite noble nature