Greek+Terms


 * Greek Tragedy and the Tragic Hero**

The plot of a Greek tragedy is nearly always based on an episode from a myth. Moreover, Greek tragedy was divided into four parts: 1. The prologue --an introductory monologue or dialogue 2. The parados --entrance and first recitation of the chorus 3. The episode --dramatic scene performed b actors 4. The staismon --choral ode (no rhyme)

A tragic hero is a man or woman who fails to attain happiness and his or her failure excites fear or pity. She or he is normally a person of high station in life, such as a king or another person of power. Also: • Has great promise, ability and integrity of character • Has a tragic flaw or weakness • Has a capacity for suffering (conscience) and does not ensure passively but fights back and seeks remedies • Takes actions that will involve him or her in choices that must be decided • He or she dies at the end of the play, which usually occurs due to either: a) Tragic flaw (ambition, inaction, etc.) b) Supernatural (maybe gods interfered) c) Fate or ill-luck d) Combination of these e) Sometimes it goes beyond the limits of common sense—some are compromisers; some are ambitious; they have lust for power; some men are completely loyal; or some simply cannot act

Tragic flaw: most tragic heroes have this and it usually amounts to having an excess of an otherwise commendable trait. It is generally a small flaw, but it is sufficient to cause the character’s destruction. For example, Oedipus, insists upon the truth despite not being able to see it and believes that man can control his own destiny without any help from the gods, which have in fact declared his fate.

Aristotle said: A wise man maintains balance of natural impulses. He directs his will and emotions toward the supreme end, which is approved by reason. If he does this, he has an inward happiness, which cannot be shaken except by great and numerous calamities. He will also have an external prosperity since most sensible people are most successful and misfortune is due to a lack of knowledge or prudence. Even if crushed by overwhelming catastrophe such a man is not an object of pity or fear. A man who attains perfect happiness is wise and sees in all their aspects the facts and forces with which he is dealing and can balance and direct his own impulses in accordance with reason.

Oedipus sees but one side of the matter. He is driven on by uncontrolled emotions. He acts in accordance with imperfect vision and meets fate, which is pitiful and terrible in accordance with the great laws, which the gods have made.