Macbeth
Literary Elements
tragedy
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A literary work depicting serious events in which the
main character comes to an unhappy end.
Elements of a Tragedy:
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Main character is dignified, courageous, and high ranking
(tragic hero)
Downfall of main character, caused by tragic flaw
Tragic hero becomes aware of his nearing downfall
Examples
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Romeo & Juliet
Macbeth
Hamlet
Othello
tragic hero
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A great or virtuous character in a dramatic
tragedy who is destined for downfall,
suffering or defeat because of a tragic flaw.
Example:
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Oedipus Rex
tragic flaw
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A weakness or character flaw that leads a
tragic hero to his downfall.
Example:
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Romeo & Juliet – strong passion
Hamlet – indecision and doubt
Oedipus Rex – arrogance
Macbeth - ???
Drama Terms
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monologue – a long speech delivered by a
character in front of other characters on stage
soliloquy – a long speech delivered by a
character who is thinking aloud to him/herself
aside – a comment made by one character to
another character or to the audience that the
rest of the characters cannot hear
Drama Terms (continued)
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characterization – the way an author presents characters.
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symbol – anything that stands for something else
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direct – when a character is described by the author, narrator, or other
characters
indirect – when a character reveals his/her traits through action and
speech
Example: The crown symbolizes the throne/becoming king.
tone – the writer’s attitude toward material and/or readers.
The tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious,
ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc.
theme – the recurring ideas explored in a work of literature
(usually insights about life, etc.)
Drama Terms (continued)
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simile – a comparison of two dissimilar things using
“like” or “as”
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metaphor – a comparison of two dissimilar things
which does not use “like” or “as”
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Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun.
Example: My soul is an enchanted boat.
paradox – a statement whose 2 parts seem
contradictory, yet make sense with more thought.
These statements catch the reader’s attention and
give emphasis.
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Example: Deep down he’s really very shallow.
Example: Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
Drama Terms (continued)
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catharsis – emotional or intellectual cleansing,
which occurs when the audience understands
the tragic hero’s fate.
apostrophe – a direct address to a person,
thing, or abstraction. Apostrophes are usually
capitalized: “O Western Wind,” “Ah, Sorrow
you consume me.”
foil – a secondary character who contrasts
with a major character.