Tragic Hero

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Tragedy & The Hero

Tragic heroes

Tragic heroes are failed pragmatists. Their ends are unrealistic and their means are impractical. -Adam Phillips

Consider this quote. Reflect on it and be prepared to share your ideas on it at the end of this presentation.

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Tragic heroes

The catastrophe of the tragic hero is that all his furious energy and intellectual daring drive him on to this terrible discovery of his fundamental ignorance - he is not the measure of all things but the thing measured and found wanting. -Robert Fagles

Consider this quote. Reflect on it and be prepared to share your ideas on it at the end of this presentation.

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the idea of the tragic hero

Introduction to Tragic Heroes

First defined by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle based on his study of Greek dramaTragic heroes are the key ingredient that make tragedies "tragic"

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Be virtuous:

• Noble character

• Capable and powerful ("heroic")

• Feel responsible to the rules of honor and morality that guided Greek culture.

Noble Stature:

• Tragedies involving people of stature affect the lives of others. In the case of a king, the tragedy would not only involve the individual and his family, it would also involve the whole society.

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Hamartia Have a Fatal Flaw

• A flaw of personality or mistake that leads to the character's downfall

• Often emerges from the character's own heroic qualities

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Free Choice:

• While there is often a discussion of the role of fate in the downfall of a tragic hero, there must be an element of choice in order for there to be a true tragedy.

• The tragic hero falls because he chooses one course of action over another.

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

The Punishment Exceeds the Crime

• The audience must not be left feeling that the tragic hero got what he deserved.

• Part of what makes the action "tragic" is to witness the injustice of what has occurred to the tragic hero.

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Anagnorisis- The Hero has Increased Awareness:

• Anagnorisis refers to the moment in a story when a character makes a critical discovery or realization, often leading to a dramatic turning point in the plot.

• Anagnorisis occurs when a character suddenly understands their true identity, discovers an important truth, or realizes the significance of past events.

• This revelation usually leads to heightened tension and conflict, propelling the story toward its climax.

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Anagnorisis- The Hero has Increased Awareness:

• Anagnorisis refers to the moment in a story when a character makes a critical discovery or realization, often leading to a dramatic turning point in the plot.

• Anagnorisis occurs when a character suddenly understands their true identity, discovers an important truth, or realizes the significance of past events.

• This revelation usually leads to heightened tension and conflict, propelling the story toward its climax.

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Suffer a Reversal of Fortune:

• From good to bad

• Leads to the character's terrible, excessive downfall

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Aristotle's Definition of a Tragic Hero

Produces Catharsis in Audience:

• Catharsis is a feeling of "emotional purgation" that an audience feels after witnessing the plight of a tragic hero.

• We feel emotionally drained, but exultant.

• We should be encouraged to reflect on our own personality traits, flaws, actions in order to avoid a similar fate.

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Quiz Time

Quiz Time

Quiz Time

Quiz Time

Quiz Time

Quiz Time

Tragic heroes

Tragic heroes are failed pragmatists. Their ends are unrealistic and their means are impractical. -Adam Phillips

Tragic heroes

The catastrophe of the tragic hero is that all his furious energy and intellectual daring drive him on to this terrible discovery of his fundamental ignorance - he is not the measure of all things but the thing measured and found wanting.-Robert Fagles

Watch this short one minute video to learn a little bit more about tragic heroes.