English 9 / Unit 5: Drama and Shakespeare
5.3 Tragedy and Comedy
Notes
Shakespeare's plays are often grouped as tragedies, comedies and histories.
- Tragedy: a serious play ending in the downfall or death of the main character.
- Tragic hero: a noble or admirable protagonist with a tragic flaw (a weakness such as pride, haste or jealousy) that leads to their downfall.
- Comedy: a lighter play with confusion and humor, usually ending happily, often with marriages.
- Comic relief: a humorous scene or character that eases tension in a tragedy.
- Example: A brilliant general whose jealousy leads him to destroy his own marriage is a tragic hero.
Practice
A tragic flaw is:
Pride, haste or jealousy are common tragic flaws.
In a dark play full of murders, two gravediggers joke and sing while they work. This scene provides:
Humor eases tension in a serious play.
Which ending is most typical of a Shakespearean comedy?
Comedies resolve happily, often with weddings.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 5 test.