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Shakespearean Tragedy [AP Literature] Flashcards

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5463199032Hero"A character (who is usually the protagonist) and most likely comes from a privileged position. Is widely respected by the masses for certain skills or attributes. Usually the protagonist possesses traits with which the ready can identify, thus making the reader sympathize with the character. Typically the hero is a male and typically admired and good" 0
5463216974Fatal Flaw/Hamartia"However, the hero has a fatal flaw, one that brings about a reversal of fortune and causes the hero to have a downfall". This flaw is typically part of a character's persona, not just a singular mistake made by the hero" 1
5463234743Order vs. Chaos"The text opens in a setting that is mostly ordered or exists in a society that follows tradition. However, the text ends in utter chaos, usually with death afflicting multiple characters". 2
5463242006Catharsis"To be a true tragedy there needs to be some sort of an emotional purge. This is typically derived from the audience who has sympathized with the protagonist and thus feels pity or sorrow when the text ends in chaos and destruction. This catharsis is usually brought on by the reader recognizing the potential of the hero that was taken away from him" 3
5463257604Conflict"Traditionally the conflict of a tragedy is internal and/or external. The tragedy is mostly provoked by action of the protagonist or antagonist. The antagonist isn't necessarily entirely evil. Again, much of the protagonist's downfall is because of a fatal flaw, not because of something a "villain" has done" 4
5463409662Supernatural Elements/Chance"While not the most pivotal aspect of the downfall of a hero, the reader will typically see how limited a hero's control over his circumstances truly are. This might because of a supernatural element, like a ghost or witch, but could also be because of the protagonist's inability to alter a course of events. Another way in which this is made manifest in a play is when a hero suffers an affliction of the mind, like insanity, hallucinations, etc." 5
5463425424Tragic Loss"Death in a Shakespearean tragedy isn't a gentle passing of life. Traditionally it is an exceptionally horrific death of one that is particularly costly because of the status of the protagonist. Typically the rate of casualties is extremely high by the end of the play, which also leads to the 'chaos' described above. The hero MUST die at the of a Shakespearean tragedy" 6
5463435419Comic Relief"Given the heavy nature of a Shakespearean tragedy, it makes sense that some comic relief will happen at some point in the play. This might be through a particularly humorous character or scene" 7
5463446024Good versus Evil"Usually those considered 'good' are unaware of the 'evil' that is affecting them until it is too late to do anything. Traditionally the good is rewarded and the bad is punished" 8
5463450343Appearance versus Reality"This occurs when things aren't what they appear. Traditionally, Shakespeare conveys this as a struggle the protagonist faces" 9
5463455523Corrupting Power"While this could lead to the downfall of the protagonist or be the cause of the antagonist seeking revenge, it is usually the source of conflict in a tragedy" 10
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