Literature Appreciation Drama Unit

How does the idea of tragedy in literature differ from the way we may use the term in our day-to-day language?

Tragedy does not equal bad things happening to people, especially things entirely out of their control or influence

*Rather, tragedy has to do with the downfall of an individual who is admirable in some way and who plays a role in his or her own downfall

The tragic character/the tragic hero

Admirable, noble character, high status, not perfect

The tragic flaw/hamartia

Error/frailty in the protagonists character

Wrong act/misstep perhaps based on external circumstances

The tragic plot

Starting off at a not so good spirit

Prologue

The opening speech/dialogue: provides exposition of what is to follow

Pardos

The first entrance of the chorus; the chorus will give its perspective on what we heard in the prologue

Episode

Characters (and chorus) engage in heated dialogue that dramatizes the plays conflict

Stasimon

A choral ode that follows the episode; the chorus responds to/interprets the preceding scene

Exodos

Last scene. The resolution occurs, characters and chorus exit, chorus offers final insight into events

Understanding of the chorus in the play

• Can provide exposition

• A dozen or so men

• Chant, sing, dance

Realistic Characters

Middle class characters

 

Realistic plots

Plausible, situations that might realistically be faced by middle class folks

Realistic language:

Language that is closer to that used in daily life

Realistic setting

For Ibsen, the “problem play”, often dealt with/represented a social issue

The challenge of the individual struggling against society’s demand