Aim:
How can we successfully understand the
difference between Greek tragedy,
Shakespearean tragedy, and Miller tragedy?
Do Now:
Brainstorm and write down everything you
remember about tragedy.
Greek Tragedy
Aristotle's definition
Around 330 B.C.
 The most important element of a
tragic drama was the unique
experience of CATHARSIS, the
arousing of the specific emotions of
pity and fear so as to dispel or purge
them in the spectator.
 This is tragedy defined by its emotional effect on the
audience.
Ideal Plot
 The story takes place in 24 hours.
 This produces a strong emotional response.
Tragic Hero’s Characteristics
 The hero must be of high status.
 The hero must basically be a good person.
 Has a tragic flaw that contributes to downfall.
- Hubris (pride)
 Recognizes his/her mistakes.
 Reverses position.
 Punished but not necessarily with death.
Additional Information on Greek
Tragedy
 There is an all male cast.
 There are a minimal number of actors.
 The actors wear masks.
 The music is integral.
 The chorus is the voice of the people, moral center.
Shakespearean Tragedy
 Shakespeare includes the unique experience of
CATHARSIS, the arousing of the specific emotions
of pity and fear so as to dispel or purge them in the
spectator.
Ideal Plot
 Shakespearean plays do not all occur in a day or two.
Many plays give the assumption that they do.
Tragic Hero Characteristics
 Hero must be of high rank.
 Exhibits extraordinary talents.
 The hero’s greatest strength when taken to the
extreme contributes to his downfall.
 Hero may or may not recognize his/her flaw.
 The tragic hero always dies.
Arthur Miller Tragedy
Characteristics
 The common man has relevance.
 The common man has inherent unwillingness to
remain passive in the face of what he conceives to be
a challenge to his dignity, his image of his rightful
status.
 The common man never recognizes fault.
 Audience is in the presence of a character who is
ready to lay down his life to secure one thing- his
sense of personal dignity.