Tragedy

Introduction

Tragedy is a literary device used to evoke a sense of compassion and sadness from the audience through the depiction of sorrowful or disastrous events. This genre traditionally traces the downfall of the main character, who is typically noble and heroic, making their ultimate misfortune all the more poignant and emotionally resonant. The key elements of a tragedy often include a tragic hero, a tragic flaw (or hamartia), a reversal of fortune (peripeteia), and the eventual realization or epiphany (anagnorisis) that leads to the hero’s demise. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex” are prime examples of classical tragedies that showcase these elements compellingly.

Pronunciation of Tragedy:

TRAG-uh-dee

When do writers use the Tragedy literary device?

Writers use tragedy to explore complex themes of fate, morality, and human suffering. This literary device is particularly effective in creating a deep emotional connection between the characters and the audience. It allows the audience to experience catharsis, a term that Aristotle used to describe the emotional release that viewers feel after witnessing the tragic events of the story unfold. Tragedy compels audiences to reflect on the human condition, the fragility of life, and the consequences of choices, making it a powerful tool for conveying profound truths through the arts.

Rules for using the Tragedy literary device

To effectively use tragedy in literature, writers should adhere to several guidelines:

1. Craft a Compelling Tragic Hero: The central figure should be fundamentally noble but flawed by a critical mistake or character defect, known as a tragic flaw.
2. Ensure the Presence of a Tragic Flaw: This flaw should lead to the hero’s downfall, emphasizing the theme that even the greatest individuals are vulnerable to failure.
3. Build a Strong Emotional Foundation: Develop the plot and characters in a way that elicits empathy from the audience. The connection should be strong enough that the audience feels the weight of the tragedy.
4. Incorporate Irony: Often, tragedy is underscored by irony, especially situational irony, where the outcome is significantly different from what was expected.
5. Lead to a Cathartic Resolution: The story should guide the audience through a journey of emotions, ending in a catharsis that offers a sense of relief or release from the tension built up over the narrative.

These elements, when woven together skillfully, allow the tragedy to resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Types of Tragedy

Tragedy in literature can be categorized into several distinct types, each with its unique characteristics and narrative structures:

1. Classical Tragedy: Originating in ancient Greece, classical tragedies involve heroes of high social rank and their downfall due to fate, a moral weakness, or a combination of both. These tragedies typically adhere to strict form and are imbued with profound moral and philosophical questions.
2. Shakespearean Tragedy: These tragedies, penned by William Shakespeare, often revolve around a tragic hero who has a significant flaw that leads to their downfall. Themes of fate, supernatural elements, and the struggle for power are common.
3. Modern Tragedy: Modern tragedies often depict ordinary people in tragic situations, focusing on the inner lives and psychological complexities of their characters rather than nobility or social rank. These works tend to challenge classical notions of tragedy, emphasizing moral ambiguity and societal issues.
4. Tragicomedy: This type blends elements of both tragedy and comedy. The narrative might begin with a tragic structure but ends on a hopeful or uplifting note, or it may intersperse moments of levity amidst serious themes.

Tragedy in Literature

Here are some famous examples of tragedy in literature:

1. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: The tale of the Prince of Denmark who seeks revenge against his uncle, who has murdered his father, taken the throne, and married his mother.
2. “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles: A classic Greek tragedy about King Oedipus’s fall from grace after he discovers that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother.
3. “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: Chronicles the rise and fall of Macbeth, who, driven by ambition and spurred on by his wife, commits regicide to become king and faces dire consequences.
4. “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller: Represents modern tragedy through the story of Willy Loman, a salesman facing the collapse of his dreams and family.
5. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Features Jay Gatsby, who tragically fails to attain his dream of rekindling his romance with Daisy Buchanan.

Tragedy in Children’s Books

Tragedy is also present in children’s literature, often to teach valuable life lessons or handle themes of loss and resilience. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: Focuses on the themes of friendship and loss through the story of Wilbur the pig and his spider friend, Charlotte, who dies after saving him.
2. “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson: Deals with the sudden death of a close friend, exploring grief and the coping mechanisms of young children.
3. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: A poignant story about selfless love and sacrifice between a boy and a tree, leading to a bittersweet end.
4. “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls: Chronicles the adventures of a boy and his two hunting dogs, culminating in a tragic but heroic conclusion.

Tragedy in Poetry

Tragedy has been a powerful theme in poetry as well, with poets often using the form to explore personal loss, existential despair, or social injustices. Some famous tragic poems include:

1. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: A meditation on the painful contrast between the ideal of beauty and the harsh reality of human suffering.
2. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: Features themes of grief and mourning as a man descends into madness following the loss of his love, Lenore.
3. “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen: A harrowing portrayal of the realities of World War I, challenging the romanticized view of war.
4. “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe: A poem about the deep sadness felt from the untimely death of a beloved.

Tragedy in Songs

Here are ten famous songs that beautifully capture the essence of tragedy in their lyrics and themes:

1. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton – A poignant reflection on the pain of losing his young son.
2. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails cover) – A deep, personal lament on loss and regret.
3. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles – Tells the story of loneliness and despair among forgotten individuals.
4. “The River” by Bruce Springsteen – Narrates the loss of dreams and the harsh realities of life.
5. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor – Explores the profound grief of separation.
6. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John – Originally about Marilyn Monroe’s tragic life and later rewritten in memory of Princess Diana.
7. “Stan” by Eminem – A story about obsession and the tragic ending of the titular character.
8. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss – A haunting song of love, betrayal, and suicide.
9. “Back to December” by Taylor Swift – Reflects on regret and sorrow following a breakup.
10. “Black” by Pearl Jam – Deals with the sorrow of unrequited love and loss.

Tragedy in Movies

Some of the most renowned tragic films include:

1. “Titanic” (1997) – The ill-fated love story of Jack and Rose aboard the doomed RMS Titanic.
2. “Romeo + Juliet” (1996) – A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers.
3. “Requiem for a Dream” (2000) – Explores the deep descent into addiction and its devastating effects on a group of people.
4. “Schindler’s List” (1993) – Chronicles the true story of Oskar Schindler’s efforts to save his Jewish employees from the Holocaust.
5. “Million Dollar Baby” (2004) – A gut-wrenching tragedy involving a determined female boxer and her coach.
6. “The Green Mile” (1999) – Depicts the tragic and supernatural events on a death row block.
7. “Gladiator” (2000) – Follows a Roman general’s fall from grace and his quest for vengeance.
8. “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) – Tells the story of two cowboys and their doomed love affair.
9. “Les Misérables” (2012) – An epic tale of struggle, redemption, and tragedy during the French Revolution.
10. “Atonement” (2007) – Focuses on the tragic consequences of a young girl’s false accusation.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Tragedy

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” – This line from “The Shawshank Redemption” highlights the tragic nature of the circumstances and the protagonist’s response to it.

YouTube Link of a Movie Clip Demonstrating Tragedy

Watch a tragic scene from “The Green Mile” where John Coffey speaks about the pain and cruelty he feels from the world.

Tragedy in Advertising

Tragedy in advertising often serves to evoke strong emotional responses or to drive messages home. Some notable examples include:

1. Thai Life Insurance ads – Known for their emotionally charged narratives that often involve themes of loss and the value of life.
2. Anti-smoking campaigns – These often depict the tragic consequences of smoking, including terminal illnesses and premature death, to encourage smokers to quit.
3. Road safety campaigns – Feature tragic accidents caused by reckless driving to promote safer driving habits.
4. Animal welfare ads – Show the tragic circumstances of abused or neglected animals to spur action and donations.

Tragedy Related Literary Devices

Several literary devices are closely associated with the theme of tragedy:

1. Hamartia: The tragic flaw or error in judgement that leads to the hero’s downfall.
2. Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence that often results in the protagonist’s demise.
3. Peripeteia: A sudden reversal of fortune from good to bad, which is a common element in tragic narratives.
4. Anagnorisis: The moment of critical discovery or revelation where the protagonist realizes the truth about their situation, often too late to avoid disaster.
5. Catharsis: The emotional release felt by the audience after the climax of a tragedy, typically involving feelings of pity and fear.
6. Nemesis: A fate that cannot be escaped, often seen as retribution for the protagonist’s actions.

These devices help structure the emotional and dramatic elements of tragedy, making stories resonate more deeply with their audience.