Antigone Terms

Helps study for antigone test

Tragedy

an imitation of a serious action which will arouse pity and fear in the viewer

tragic hero

a character, usually of high birth, neither totally good nor totally evil, whose downfall is brought about by some weakness or error in judgment.

hamartia

a tragic flaw, weakness of character or error in judgement, which causes the downfall of the hero

hubris

arrogance or overweening pride which causes the hero’s transgressions against the gods; usually, the tragic flaw

anagnorisis

recognition or discovery on the part of the hero; change from ignorance to knowledge

peripeteia

reversal of fortune

nemesis

fate that cannot be escaped

catharsis

purgation of emotions of pity and fear which leaves the viewer both relieved and elated