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Tragedy, branch of drama that treats in a serious and dignified style the sorrowful or terrible events encountered or caused by a heroic individual. By extension the term may be applied to other literary works, such as the novel. Learn more about the history and characteristics of tragedy in this article.
Tragedy (from the Greek: τραγῳδία, tragōidia) is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a main character. Traditionally, the intention of tragedy is to invoke an accompanying catharsis, or a "pain [that] awakens pleasure,” for the audience.
Apr 21, 2024 · A tragedy in storytelling is a form of drama that depicts the downfall or destruction of a noble or heroic character. This downfall often results from a personal flaw, a twist of fate, or a combination of both. The narrative usually involves intense emotions and leads to a cathartic release for the audience.
So, just as the origins of the word “tragedy” are ambiguous, so too does a sort of ambiguity and flexibility define the genre of tragedy. However, by and large, if a narrative begins with everything in order and ends in disorder, it can probably be classified as a tragedy.
- Definition of Tragedy. Tragedy is a literary device signifying a story or drama that presents an admirable or courageous character that confronts powerful forces inside and/or outside of themselves.
- Common Examples of Classic Greek Tragedy. As a literary device, tragedy originated in ancient Greece with religious rituals and performances. Aristotle identified the elements of classical tragedy in his work Poetics, indicating that classical tragedy is the representation of a single action in which a hero of high status or prominence falls from fortune to misfortune due to a tragic flaw.
- Shakespearean Tragedies. William Shakespeare helped revive the Greek tradition of tragic heroes brought down by their own flaws. However, Shakespeare revolutionized the literary device of tragedy by creating more “ordinary” tragic heroes and protagonists, as well as enhancing their tragic stories with interesting subplots and additional characters.
- Famous Examples of Modern Tragedy. As a literary device, tragedy has evolved since classic Greek literature into modern literary works in which the tragic hero is more of a “common man,” with complex flaws and vices.
Tragedy is a genre of story in which a hero is brought down by his/her own flaws, usually by ordinary human flaws – flaws like greed, over-ambition, or even an excess of love, honor, or loyalty. In any tragedy, we start with the tragic hero, usually in his prime.
Tragedy Definition. A tragedy (TRA-jud-dee) is a genre of drama focusing on stories of human suffering. The drama typically consists of a human flaw or weakness in one of the work’s central characters, which then triggers a devastating event or series of events for those in that character’s orbit.
