2 Introduction to Shakspearean Tragedies

Introduction to ShakespeareanTragedies

Submitted by,Group No 1007_001Amrita University

FDP in Use of ICT in Online & Blended Learning, IIT Bombay

Features of Shakespearean Tragedies


Tragic Flaw tragic flaw - personality trait - leads to downfall of protagonist

most important element

protagonist’s wrong action results in his own ruin

Examples : Macbeth's obsession with power, Othello's jealousy,

and Hamlet's indecisiveness


Supernatural Elements• Supernatural powers contribute to fate of protagonist

• not solely responsible for downfall of hero (lies in deeds/actions

of hero)

• not illusions of the hero

• contribute to action of play - more than 1/ 2 scenes

• Eg: use of witches - reflect ancient social beliefs – belief of

Macbeth in witches’ prophecy


Internal & External Conflicts• external conflict - conflict between two people, the tragic hero &

another main character

• conflict between 2 parties, one led by tragic hero

• result - always in favour of good party

• inward conflict - represents struggle of thoughts in hero’s mind

• result - hero goes insane (King Lear)

• includes spiritual forces working the hero


Fate / Fortune

• Hero’s/heroine’s downfall produces a contrast

• affects fate & welfare of entire nation

• reflects powerlessness of human beings and omnipotence of fate


Theme of Foul / Revenge

• foul has to counterfeit fair - unwritten rule of Shakespearean

tragedy

• "fair is foul and foul is fair" - refrain of Macbeth

• Hamlet – revenge, the driving force behind Hamlet’s character


Paradox of Life

• calamity & suffering of tragic hero - contrasted with previous

happiness & glory

• Eg: Macbeth - most brave & loyal soldier - rewarded by king

Duncan for bravery & love for nation- dissatisfied with whatever

he got- desired more.


Catharsis

• evokes pity, fear, similar emotions in audience

• audience feels sympathy for character

• empathize with his/her sufferings


Tragic Structure

Tragic story (Shakespearean) divided into four parts:

• EXPOSITION

• RISING ACTION

• FALLING ACTION

• RESOLUTION


Exposition: • beginning of the play audience gets to know:

– characters and their traits

– general setting of story

– major conflict in story

– tragic flaw of the hero


Rising Action:• develops through second act

• extends up to third and fourth act

• plot gathers momentum

• action increases- outcome of protagonist's over-ambitious

nature/feeling of revenge

• plot eventually reaches crisis

• hero makes a decision that changes course of play

• end of rising action- hero is left alone


Falling Action:

• From beginning of fourth act

• opposite forces become active & start open resistance

• start plotting - removal of hero

• power of tragic hero starts declining


Resolution:

• last & final act

• opposite forces reach full power & defeat isolated tragic hero

• hero recognizes his faults yet, cannot do anything about it


Shakespearean Tragedies• Antony and Cleopatra

• Coriolanus

• Hamlet

• Julius Caesar

• King Lear

• Macbeth

• Othello

• Romeo and Juliet

• Timon of Athens

• Titus Andronicus


Credits

Template Courtesy: Shakespeare template http://www.m62.net/powerpoint-

templates/education-templates/shakespeare-template/


QUIZ


I. Which aspect in a Shakespearean tragedy contributes to the hero’s fall?

a) supernatural elements b) hamartia c) internal conflict d) fate

II. Macbeth’s ambition is an example of

a) Internal conflict b) external conflict c) paradox of life d) tragic flaw

III. Which element contributes to crisis in a Shakespearean play

a) exposition b) falling action c) rising action d) resolution


IV. Choose the right order of action in a Shakespearean tragedy:

a) falling action, exposition, rising action, resolutionb) exposition, rising action, falling action, Resolutionc) rising action, exposition, falling action, resolutiond) resolution, rising action, Exposition, falling action

V. Hamlet’s fear of action is an example of?

a) Internal conflict b) tragic flaw c) Catharsis d) external conflict


ANSWERS

I. b) hamartia

II. d) tragic flaw

III. c) rising action

IV. b) exposition, rising action, falling action, Resolution

V. b) tragic flaw


Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, 2016

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2 Introduction to Shakspearean Tragedies

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