Tragedy

DEFINITION

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, tragedy is "a branch of drama that treats in a serious and dignified style the sorrowful or terrible events encountred or caused by a heroic individual." The term may also be applied to other literary works, such as novel. (“Tragedy | Definition, Examples, & History.”)

Merriam Webster dictionary decribes the term as a disasturous event, calamity, misfortune, the literary genre of tragic dramas. (“Definition of TRAGEDY.”)

"Although the word tragedy is often used loosely to describe any sort of disaster or misfortune, it more precisely refers to a work of art that probes with high seriousness questions concerning the role of man in the universe."  (“Tragedy | Definition, Examples, & History.”)

ELEMENTS IN TRAGEDY

Tragic hero- a central character whose choices or weaknesses lead to their downfall 

Tragic flaw- a character trait that triggers the tragic hero’s defeat

Catharsis- a purging or purification of emotions

(“Tragedy What Is Tragedy? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples.”)

EXAMPLES

Sophocles - Oedipus Rex

Euripedes - Medea

W. Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet

W. Shakespeare - Julius Caesar

James Baldwin - The Amen Corner

(“Tragedy in Literature: Definition, Characteristics & Examples")

(“Tragedy What Is Tragedy? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples.”)

SOURCES

“Tragedy | Definition, Examples, & History.” Sewall, Richard B, and Leonard W Conversi. Encyclopædia Britannica, 21 Apr. 2017, www.britannica.com/art/tragedy-literature.

“Definition of TRAGEDY.” Merriam-Webster.com, 2018, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tragedy.

“Tragedy in Literature: Definition, Characteristics & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com.” Study.com, 2019, study.com/academy/lesson/tragedy-in-literature-definition-characteristics-examples.html.

“Tragedy What Is Tragedy? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples.” SuperSummary, www.supersummary.com/tragedy/.

“Shakespearean Tragedy: Definition and Characteristics of Shakespearean Tragedy.” YouTube, 27 June 2021, youtu.be/zZug8XiSpqA?si=QdkC9NwBOzKhTMvk. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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