Tragic Hero: Often the main character in a tragedy. Usually male, this person is a noble and great person, aside from a fatal flaw or sinister force on the inside or outside that will be his downfall, which greatly contrasts his previous, happier position. The downfall should make the audience be in awe of how far the hero has fallen, and feel pity for him. The tragic hero is usually high-ranking member of the military and/or a nobleman.
Root: A similar word, hamartia, is described as a hero’s fatal flaw. This word was defined by Aristotle in his works Poetics. This is a work of dramatic theory, and talks about comedies, tragedies and lyric poetry. How it applies to Macbeth: In the play Macbeth, Macbeth would be the tragic hero. His fatal flaw is ambition, or, to be specific his greed for the crown. Macbeth is also largely influenced by the witches’ prophecy and his wife persuading him to kill King Duncan. He is also a military commander and a thane (noble).
- LK, VF, and MC
Sources:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/601884/tragedy/51117/Shakespeares-tragic-art
http://www.field-of-themes.com/shakespeare/essays/Emacbeth3.htm
http://shakespeare.nuvvo.com/lesson/4435-elements-of-a-tragic-hero-in-literature
http://www.walkinginthefog.net/files/TragicStructureInMacbeth2.ppt
Although the fatal flaw of Macbeth is ambition and greed, what is his ultimate downfall that makes him a tragic hero? (OL)
ReplyDeleteIs the word 'harmatia' really a root of 'tragic'?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't the root of the word come from a word from a different language?
You say that the hamartia of Macbeth is his ambition and greed, but have you considered the roles that the Witches' prophecy and Lady Macbeth play in Macbeth's downfall? (DC)
ReplyDeleteAlthough Harmatia may be related to a tragic hero, when did this kind of character first come into play in history? (SS)
ReplyDeleteDoes the audience must feel pity for the tragic hero, if the hero has done many corrupt things like Macbeth?
ReplyDeleteIn the play Macbeth, how does Shakespeare develop a sense of pity for the tragic hero? Is it truly possible to sympathize with him if he is, as you suggest, acting out of an ardent ambition and greed? (Shannon)
ReplyDeleteHow is Harmatia a similar word?
ReplyDelete?__?