Transcript Tragic Hero

Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy
• Any serious and dignified drama that
describes a conflict between the hero
(protagonist) and a superior force
(antagonist), and reaches a sorrowful
conclusion that arouses pity or fear in the
audience.
• Is motivated by ethical (justice) and/or
pathetic (moral) concerns.
Aristotle’s Poetics: Basic Concepts
• Complex plots are better than simple ones
• A tragedy should end unhappily and
provoke catharsis 
• Catharsis: release of the audience’s built
up pity and fear.
• The pity and fear which the tragedy evokes
should come from the events, not from the
mere sight of something on stage.
The Tragic Hero
• Is neither all good nor all bad
• Is of the noble class or highly
renowned and prosperous
• Unwittingly sets forces in
motion that will lead ultimately
to his/her downfall.
• Endures pathos (scenes of great
suffering)
• Audience’s sympathy
for/empathy with the tragic
hero and his situation must
increase as plot unfolds
Tragic Flaw (Hamartia)
• Causes the downfall of the
tragic hero
• Can be any trait that is
excessive and potentially
harmful (such as desire,
self-will, pride,
overconfidence)
Reversal (Peripeteia)
• Reversal is a change of
a situation to its
opposite; the point at
which the action of the
plot turns in an
unexpected direction
for the tragic hero.
• He realizes he has
erred and accepts the
consequences
Recognition (Anagnorisis)
• Recognition is a change from
ignorance to knowledge; the
point at which a character
understands his or her situation
as it really is.
• The new knowledge often
identifies a relative or dear one
whom the hero should cherish
but was about to harm or has
just harmed.
Pathos and Catastrophe
• Pathos: Scenes of suffering; can occur any
time during the tragedy.
• Catastrophe: scene of death or moral
destruction of the protagonist
• The catastrophe creates the climax of the
plot; it also creates pathos.
Boromir as Tragic Hero
• Tragic flaw (possibilities):
– arrogance (hubris); narcissism; nationalism;
filialness
• Reversal:
– Frodo? What have I done? Please, Frodo. I’m
sorry!
• Recognition:
– Forgive me, I did not see. I have failed you all.
Boromir as Tragic Hero
• Pathos:
– Sorrow over trying to take Ring; 3 arrows taken
in defense of Pippin and Merry
• Catharsis:
– Audience’s response to Boromir’s death, as
modeled by Aragorn