Tragedy Essay Examples

A Greek tragedy is very unique in its structure, composition, and language. The tragedy usually begins with a prologue in which one or more characters introduce the drama and explain the background. It involves a Chorus of some sorts, which says or explains the situation that is developing on the scene and also includes a…

In The Poetics, Aristotle defines plot as “the combination of the incidents or things done in the story”, but a closer reading of the development of ‘plot’ as a crucial element of tragedy reveals that it is much more complicated idea. In this assignment, the attempt has been to understand two things; firstly, how Aristotle’s…

In the play Prometheus Bound, Aeschylus touches one of the fundamental political problems – the nature and essence of power. The bearer of the highest and unlimited power in this play is Zeus. Aeschylus endows him with features that do not evoke sympathy from the audience: Zeus in this tragedy is despotic, cruel, and, at…

Troy Maxson in ​ August Wilson’s Fences is portrayed as an honorable man with a disastrous flaw that causes much devastation in his life and in his familys’ life as well. Troy’s ultimate downfall stems from his pride and self centeredness. Life for Troy has been a disappointment and his resentment for his failures makes…

In Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, the feud between the Montague and Capulet families led to the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet. I think that Romeo is to blame for the deaths of himself and Juliet. In my opinion I would blame him for killing himself in such a hurry thus leading to…

Aristotle (384-322) B.C. defines plot as the ‘soul of tragedy’ and has given much importance on it. ‘The arrangement of incidents’ (Ch.6) is what Aristotle describes the concept of plot. The story is formed through the incidents which serve as the raw material and the way in which these events are structured into a rational…

Oedipus Rex explores numerous themes, including Oedipus’ quest for identity, the nature of innocence and guilt, blindness and sight, and the abuse of power, however, the divisive question of whether humans enjoy free will or if they are victims of fate is the most powerful and fascinating theme discussed in the play. The author, Sophocles,…

Sophocles’s, Oedipus Rex, is a story of fate. Oedipus, the new king of Thebes, set out his brother-in-law Creon to find the cause of a mysterious death of the old king, Laius. Creon reports back to Oedipus stating that once the murderer is brought to justice, Thebes can go back to normal and everyone can…

Love can affect people in many ways and the consequences can range from good to even lethal. And in the play Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, a pair of star-crossed lovers whose love for each other lead them to their tragic deaths. Since the theme in Romeo and Juliet is love as a…

The play King Lear by the great writer Shakespeare is a masterpiece like all of the rest of his plays. It is known as one of the greatest tragedies. Every play contains elements or themes which the writer subtly tries to explain to the audience. King Lear successfully highlights some very important themes and motifs…