Tragic Terminology: Death of a Salesman - 4U1

Here lies the tragic terminology of the play read in class: Death of a Salesman

Tragedy

A type of drama in which the characters experience reversals of fortune, usually for the worse.

Tragic Hero

A privileged, character of high repute, who, by virtue of a tragic flaw and fate, suffers a fall from glory into suffering

Peripeteia

Turning point; an individual’s actions are found to have the opposite consequences to what was meant/expected; a sudden and unexpected change of fortune or reversal of circumstances.

Hamartia

Quality the hero possesses which precipitates his/her fall. Often called a tragic flaw

Hubris

Arrogance in word, deed, or thought; excessive pride.

Pathos

The quality in a work which arouses pity and compassion

Thanatos

The “death wish” from recognition that it is a way to struggle against necessity

Nemesis

The messenger of Justice; the goddess who punishes; Divine vengeance for actions committed. Can take different forms: law, karma, etc…

Comic relief

Comic episodes or interludes, usually in tragedy, aimed to relieve the tension/heighten the tragic element by contrast

Anagnorisis

The point where ignorance gives away knowledge

Remorse

A deep, painful regret for having done wrong

Catastrophe

The final movement of tragedy, usually resulting in the death of the main character

Catharsis

The feeling of relief and emotional purification that comes from watching a tragedy unfold (connected to the fear and pity we feel for the tragic hero). Occurs at the end