TragedyRomeo and Juliet

Everyone has a flaw…but in a different form

In a classic tragedy, characters let

this flaw overpower them,leading to their downfall.

Elements of a Shakespeare Tragedy

1. Structure2. Tragic Hero3. Tragic Conflict4. Supernatural, fate, chance

Structure of a Tragedy

Exposition

Exiting Force

Hamartia

Crisis

Tragic Force

Catastrophe

Restore the order

Exposition

Establish the setting

Set the tone and mood of the play

Introduce key characters, but the tragic hero is not revealed

Exiting Force

The main conflict is introduced

The pace of the play is introduced

Hamartia

Hamartia is a fatal flaw

Mistakes are made because of the tragic hero’s judgement

Main cause of the catastrophe

Tragic hero still controls his fate

Crisis

Turning point of the play

This serves as the climax of the play.

The crisis is the result of the hamartia.

The tragic hero no longer has control over his destined downfall.

Tragic Force

The tragic hero begins to experience his downfall.

The tragic force leads to the catastrophe

The hero now has little control over his fate.

Catastrophe

The undeniable death of the tragic hero occurs

Resolution to the conflict takes place.

Restored Order

A resolution takes place, no loose ends are left.

A restored society takes place.

Common patterns in Shakespeare’s tragedies …

Lack of control

Murder Death of the tragic hero

Miscommunication

Increasing urgency Realization of tragic flaw

Tragic Hero

1. Noble and unordinary

2. Death is inevitable

3. Pride leads to poor decisions

4. A tragic hero has a flaw that leads to his or her downfall.

5. Blind to reality

6. Death leads to a greater cause.

Chance, Fate, Supernatural

Chance is used to depict the audience’s life

Fate is apparent through fortunetellers