Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What is Tragedy?
What is considered tragic today? When might you use the work tragic
List the titles of films, plays or television shows that you consider to be tragic. Describe why you believe these titles have elements of tragedy.
Tragedy
Literal definition
The literal meaning of the word tragedy is goat singer, probably because a goat was the prize at an early contest and came to be associated with dramatic competition.
Religion
The greatest change from the Greek concept is that modern tragedy is no longer based on religion. To the Greeks, the gods were responsible for humanitys fate and held final power over the individual.
Tragedy was associated with the most profound themes and it was an expression of Athenians at their most serious.
Mythology
Most Greek tragedies were derived from mythology or the tales of Homer.
Summary
Greek tragedy focused on: A single hero or crisis without sub-plots or multiple themes. Had a tragic end brought about by fate manipulated by the gods to which the hero submitted. Humanity was helpless before overwhelming forces. There was a sense of human greatness and nobility in the suffering that resulted.
Prologue
Introductory Section Expository Rather Than Dramatic Indicates Starting Point of Action
Parados
Entrance of the Chorus Singing Song Contains Further Exposition and Comment on Theme of Play Sets Emotional Tone of Play
Episode
Scene plot is developed through action and dialogue between actors. There are usually five episodes.
Stasimon
Choral odes which separate episodes Provides balance with action so that the tragedy is balanced.
Exodus
Final Action After the Last stasimon, ended by Ceremonial Exit of All Players.