English 12 / Unit 2: Shakespeare and the Renaissance
2.5 Tragedy and the Tragic Flaw
Notes
A tragedy shows a noble hero who falls from greatness, usually because of a tragic flaw (hamartia) combined with fate or choice.
- Aristotle's ideas: the hero is admirable but flawed, his downfall is not wholly deserved, and the audience feels pity and fear, leading to catharsis (emotional release).
- Hubris is excessive pride.
- A Shakespearean tragedy has five acts: exposition, rising action, climax (turning point), falling action, and catastrophe, usually ending in the hero's death.
- Examples: Hamlet's hesitation to act; Othello's jealousy; Macbeth's ambition.
Practice
A tragic hero's fatal weakness is called:
Hamartia is the tragic flaw that contributes to the hero's downfall.
What is catharsis?
Aristotle said tragedy cleanses the audience's emotions of pity and fear.
Hamlet cannot decide whether to avenge his father and delays until it is too late. Which reading best matches the idea of a tragic flaw?
Hesitation and overthinking work as his flaw in this reading.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 2 test.