A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Tragedy
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. Tragedy is a genre within drama that focuses on the portrayal of serious and significant events in the lives of characters, often leading to unfortunate and sorrowful outcomes. Tragedies explore themes of human suffering, fate, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of the human condition.
Key Features of Tragedy:
1. Protagonist's Downfall: Tragedies typically revolve around a protagonist whose actions, choices, or flaws lead to their ultimate downfall, suffering, or death. This downfall is often a result of their own decisions or a combination of circumstances.
2. Catharsis: Tragedy aims to evoke an emotional response from the audience, often leading to catharsis—a cleansing or purging of emotions such as pity and fear. The audience's empathy for the characters contributes to this emotional release.
3. Conflict and Tension: Tragedies are driven by internal and external conflicts that create tension throughout the narrative. The struggle between characters, their desires, and the obstacles they face contribute to the tragic events.
4. Moral and Ethical Themes: Tragedies often raise complex moral and ethical questions, exploring the consequences of characters' choices and the impact of their actions on themselves and others.
5. Hubris and Hamartia: The tragic hero's downfall is often caused by their hubris—an excessive pride or arrogance that leads them to challenge fate or the gods. Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that contributes to the hero's downfall.
6. Fate and External Forces: Tragedies often incorporate the concept of fate or destiny, suggesting that events are preordained and beyond the characters' control. External forces may influence the tragic events.
7. Serious Tone: Tragedies have a serious and somber tone, marked by moments of intense emotion and reflection on the human condition.
Representatives of Tragedy:
1. William Shakespeare (1564—1616): Many of Shakespeare's plays are considered tragedies, including "Hamlet," "Othello," "Macbeth," and "King Lear," which explore themes of ambition, jealousy, and the destructive effects of unchecked power.
2. Sophocles (497/6—406/5 BCE): An ancient Greek playwright, Sophocles wrote "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone," both exploring the themes of fate, prophecy, and human fallibility.
3. Arthur Miller (1915—2005): Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" is a modern tragedy that examines the disillusionment and shattered dreams of the American Dream.
4. Henrik Ibsen (1828—1906): Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" and "Ghosts" delve into psychological and societal conflicts, often leading to tragic outcomes.
5. Tennessee Williams (1911—1983): Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie" portray the tragic lives of characters dealing with personal struggles and societal pressures.
6. Euripides (c. 480—406 BCE): Another Greek playwright, Euripides' works such as "Medea" and "The Trojan Women" explore themes of revenge, betrayal, and the devastating effects of war.
These representatives embody the key features of tragedy, showcasing its exploration of human suffering, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of flawed actions. Tragedy serves as a powerful form of storytelling that resonates with audiences by examining the complexities of life's challenges and the inevitability of tragic outcomes.