Shakespeare - Tragic Heros Essay -- essays research papers

The name "tragic genius", which has become correspondent with Shakespearean dramas, was developed before Hamlet, Macbeth or any of Shakespeares known plays were written. The literary term was actually discovered around 330 BC by the ancient classical philosopher Aristotle. Through his theory of catharsis, Aristotle debated that the great plays of Sophicles, Euripides, and other Greek playwrights contained tragic heroes similar to each other, which all portrayed four elementary characteristics ("English Lit."). These qualities were a tragic flaw, or harmartia, they all were from a overlord class, with very human personalities, and they all face their tragedy with dignity. It is not until the former(a) 1500s that Shakespeare began to utilize Aristotles observations in the production of his many tragedies (Desjardens).&9credibly the most important characteristic of a Shakespearean tragic hero is that one must posses a tragic flaw, because without the flaw, there w ould never be a downfall. The ultimate flaw varies from one play to another, King Lears flaw is that of arrogance while Macbeths it one of ambition. Some characters whitethorn be guilty of harboring many flaws, like Othello. Among Othellos wrongs are credulousness and stupidity. In either case, the character never realizes ones flaws until act five, however, by that judgment of conviction it is too late (Desjardens).&9While the tragic flaw is the name element in a tragedy, the tragic heros fond status i...