Tragedy Terminology in King Lear

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the elements of tragedy, particularly as exemplified in Shakespeare's King Lear.

Hamartia

A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to a hero’s inevitable downfall—mistake of fact, ignorance of fact, or moral defect.

Catharsis

In classical Greek, a word meaning “purgation” or “cleansing.” Tragedy, through pity and fear, yields catharsis of emotions.

Hubris

The most common tragic flaw, “overweening pride.” It is a type of hamartia—excessive insolence, overconfidence, or arrogance that causes a great man to disregard warnings, ignore moral order, or violate the heroic code.

Dramatic Irony

A plot device where a character's expectation is reversed or fulfilled unexpectedly, a situation the audience often anticipates due to their more complete knowledge of events.

Monologue

A long speech by one character, addressed to another, oneself, or the audience, often to reveal internal thoughts or desires not expressed in formal dialogue.

Peripeteia

The moment in a tragedy when the fortunes of a tragic hero reverse, moving rapidly from favorable to worse.

Tragic Hero

A character with a flaw or error in judgment that leads to their downfall and a reversal of fortune.

Exposition

Essential information, often at the play's beginning, that reveals the world, circumstances, character relationships, or offstage events crucial for audience understanding.

Pathos

The evocation of pity and sorrow in an audience, associated with empathy and a key part of an audience’s reaction to tragedy.

Dramatic Foil

A character whose qualities contrast with another character’s, highlighting their differences.

Tragic Flaw

The character trait that causes the protagonist to experience a series of unfortunate reversals.

Situational Irony

The contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.

Comic Relief

Humorous scenes included in serious drama to relieve emotional intensity.

Soliloquy

A monologue spoken by a character alone on stage, providing insight into their thoughts.

Paradox

A contradictory statement that appears to be true.

Aside

A theatrical convention in which a character speaks directly to the audience, unheard by others on stage, to express a thought.

Pun

A play on words based on different meanings of words that sound alike.

Resolution/Catastrophe

The final stage of a tragedy where main characters die and loose ends are tied up.

Tragedy

A drama where a noble character meets a disastrous end through confrontation with a superior force or a fatal flaw, eventually understanding their deeds and accepting punishment.

Tragic Dilemma

A situation where good intentions lead individuals to believe noble ideals justify violent means.

Verbal Irony

The use of language to express the opposite of its literal meaning.