Tragedy

Definition

Tragedy is a dramatic genre that presents a serious subject matter and typically features a protagonist who experiences a downfall due to a fatal flaw, conflict, or fate. In the context of theatre, it explores profound themes such as human suffering, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of existence, often resulting in catharsis for the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tragedy became popular in England during the rise of professional theatre companies in the late 16th century, paving the way for significant works by playwrights like Shakespeare.
2. Shakespeare's tragedies, such as 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth,' emphasize complex characters grappling with moral conflicts and existential themes, significantly impacting the genre's evolution.
3. The Globe Theatre was central to the performance of tragedies in London, providing an open-air venue that allowed for dramatic storytelling and audience engagement.
4. Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre used elaborate stagecraft and special effects to enhance tragic narratives, creating powerful visual representations of suffering and despair.
5. French playwright Jean Racine refined tragedy within the neoclassical framework, focusing on psychological depth and intense emotional conflicts, establishing new standards for the genre.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of hamartia function within the context of tragedy, particularly in Shakespeare's works?
  • Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error that leads to the protagonist's downfall. In Shakespeare's tragedies, characters like Macbeth and Othello exhibit hamartia through their ambition and jealousy, respectively. These flaws drive the narrative forward and ultimately contribute to their tragic ends, showcasing how deeply flawed human nature can lead to disastrous consequences.
• In what ways did Elizabethan stagecraft enhance the experience of tragedy for audiences at the Globe Theatre?
  • Elizabethan stagecraft utilized various techniques like lighting effects, trapdoors, and elaborate costumes to create immersive experiences during tragic performances. The open-air setting of the Globe Theatre allowed natural light to play a role in setting moods. This combination made tragic scenes more impactful, as audience members could physically see and feel the weight of the characters' struggles and sufferings in a shared communal atmosphere.
• Evaluate how Racine's approach to neoclassical tragedy differs from earlier forms of tragedy seen in Shakespearean plays.
  • Racine's approach to neoclassical tragedy emphasizes adherence to unity of time, place, and action while delving into psychological complexities. Unlike Shakespeare’s broader thematic explorations and character-driven narratives that often include supernatural elements, Racine focuses on intense emotional conflicts among well-defined characters within confined settings. This shift towards psychological realism reflects changing attitudes toward human experience, representing a key evolution in the tradition of tragedy.

Related terms

Hamartia: A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the protagonist's downfall in a tragedy.

Catharsis: The emotional release experienced by the audience as they witness the tragic events unfold, allowing for a purging of emotions.

Tragic Hero: A central character in a tragedy who is noble or heroic but possesses a flaw that ultimately leads to their demise.