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Tragedy: Difference between revisions
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== Origins of Tragedy == | == Origins of Tragedy == | ||
[[File:304px-Dionysos_Louvre_Ma87_n2.jpg|thumb|Roman statue of Dionysus <ref>"Dionysus." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Dec. 2014. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysus></ref>.]] | [[File:304px-Dionysos_Louvre_Ma87_n2.jpg|thumb|250px|Roman statue of Dionysus <ref>"Dionysus." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Dec. 2014. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysus></ref>.]] | ||
The Greek word "tragoidia" translates to "goat song," which could hold one of several meanings. Although not all tragedies are considered Greek, it is quite common to "refer to the tragedies that have survived the ancient world as 'Greek' although tragedy as we know it, was developed in Athens." During the fifth century BC, tragedies typically were described as "a song for the prize of a goat or song at the sacrifice of a goat." Typically after someone won a goat or animal after a contest they would sacrifice it.<ref>Dunkle, Roger. "Greek Tragedy." <i>International Art and Culture of Ancient Greece, Professor Alan Garfield</i>. Ed. Alan Garfield. N.p., 2005. Web. <http://cgim.dbq.edu/cgim/greece05/greek_tragedy.htm></ref> These rituals took place in the form of dance, which is considered the first ever form of tragedy. This was the prominent element to a tragedy for many years. Over time a speaker was added, likely a priest because these rituals had a religious [[ theme ]]. Eventually dialogue between the speaker and dancers occurred leading to the introduction of the chorus. These ritualistic elements continued to evolve into the tragedy as it is known today; a dramatic performance given to an audience showing the protagonist undergoing sorrowful circumstances. The tragedy often evokes desolation and catharsis in its audience. <ref>Armstrong, Linda, Mary Dieterich, and Sarah M. Anderson. "Glossary of Technical Terms." <i>Common Core: Types of Text</i>. Quincy, IL: Mark Twain Media, Inc., 2014. 41. Print.</ref> | The Greek word "tragoidia" translates to "goat song," which could hold one of several meanings. Although not all tragedies are considered Greek, it is quite common to "refer to the tragedies that have survived the ancient world as 'Greek' although tragedy as we know it, was developed in Athens." During the fifth century BC, tragedies typically were described as "a song for the prize of a goat or song at the sacrifice of a goat." Typically after someone won a goat or animal after a contest they would sacrifice it.<ref>Dunkle, Roger. "Greek Tragedy." <i>International Art and Culture of Ancient Greece, Professor Alan Garfield</i>. Ed. Alan Garfield. N.p., 2005. Web. <http://cgim.dbq.edu/cgim/greece05/greek_tragedy.htm></ref> These rituals took place in the form of dance, which is considered the first ever form of tragedy. This was the prominent element to a tragedy for many years. Over time a speaker was added, likely a priest because these rituals had a religious [[ theme ]]. Eventually dialogue between the speaker and dancers occurred leading to the introduction of the chorus. These ritualistic elements continued to evolve into the tragedy as it is known today; a dramatic performance given to an audience showing the protagonist undergoing sorrowful circumstances. The tragedy often evokes desolation and catharsis in its audience. <ref>Armstrong, Linda, Mary Dieterich, and Sarah M. Anderson. "Glossary of Technical Terms." <i>Common Core: Types of Text</i>. Quincy, IL: Mark Twain Media, Inc., 2014. 41. Print.</ref> | ||
In ancient Greece annual festivals were held in honor of the Greek god, Dionysus. The goat was considered sacred to him because he was the god of vegetation and wine. Since goats were considered to be of great value to Dionysus, it is said that rituals were held in order to promote the continuous cycle of death and life. Although tragedies have evolved over time, they still continue to have a common and reoccurring theme. The idea of human suffering has never ceased to be prominent. As tragedies have developed, they have continued to raise questions about the reasoning behind suffering, and the balance of good and evil. Additionally, tragedies have maintained their sad and dispirited qualities. | In ancient Greece annual festivals were held in honor of the Greek god, Dionysus. The goat was considered sacred to him because he was the god of vegetation and wine. Since goats were considered to be of great value to Dionysus, it is said that rituals were held in order to promote the continuous cycle of death and life. Although tragedies have evolved over time, they still continue to have a common and reoccurring theme. The idea of human suffering has never ceased to be prominent. As tragedies have developed, they have continued to raise questions about the reasoning behind suffering, and the balance of good and evil. Additionally, tragedies have maintained their sad and dispirited qualities. | ||
[[File:King_Lear_1619.jpg|thumb|left|210px|Title page for King Lear <ref>"King Lear 1608 [1619] Quarto." King Lear 1608 [1619] Quarto. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.britaininprint.net/image_library/eul_lear_1619_quarto.html></ref>.]] | |||
One of the most popular Greek tragedies was ''Oedipus Rex''. This type of tragedy was in the form of a play created by Sophocles.<ref>Stevenson, Daniel C. "Works by Sophocles." <i>The Internet Classic Archive</i>. N.p., 1994-2009. Web. <http://classics.mit.edu/Browse/browse-Sophocles.html></ref> This tragedy involves a Theban king having an incestuous relationship with his mother which eventually results in marriage. The king also makes it his mission to kill his father and succeeds in doing so. Sigmund Freud was most famous for his contribution to Oedipus Rex because it formed the psychological concept of the Oedipus complex. The Oedipus complex served as the theoretical reasoning behind the king’s actions. This well-known tragedy creates a major trademark in the history because it was greatly celebrated and displayed the true characteristics of what composes a tragedy: anguish and distress. <ref>Tearle, Oliver . "A Brief History of Tragedy." <i>Interesting Literature</i>. N.p., 1 May 2013. Web. <http://interestingliterature.com/2013/05/01/a-brief-history-of-tragedy></ref> | One of the most popular Greek tragedies was ''Oedipus Rex''. This type of tragedy was in the form of a play created by Sophocles.<ref>Stevenson, Daniel C. "Works by Sophocles." <i>The Internet Classic Archive</i>. N.p., 1994-2009. Web. <http://classics.mit.edu/Browse/browse-Sophocles.html></ref> This tragedy involves a Theban king having an incestuous relationship with his mother which eventually results in marriage. The king also makes it his mission to kill his father and succeeds in doing so. Sigmund Freud was most famous for his contribution to Oedipus Rex because it formed the psychological concept of the Oedipus complex. The Oedipus complex served as the theoretical reasoning behind the king’s actions. This well-known tragedy creates a major trademark in the history because it was greatly celebrated and displayed the true characteristics of what composes a tragedy: anguish and distress. <ref>Tearle, Oliver . "A Brief History of Tragedy." <i>Interesting Literature</i>. N.p., 1 May 2013. Web. <http://interestingliterature.com/2013/05/01/a-brief-history-of-tragedy></ref> | ||
During the late 16th Century, playwright William Shakespeare composed several works during the Renaissance Tragedy era, which became known as the Shakespearean tragedies.<ref>Schwartz, Debora B. "Tragedy." <i>Shakespeare Plays</i>. N.p., 1996-2005. Web. <http://cla.calpoly.edu/~dschwart/engl339/tragedy.html></ref> Today, Shakespeare is seen as one of the central founders of British tragedies. Scholars typically categorize British tragedies into three distinct periods. The first period is marked by the tragedy ''Titus Andronicus'' and occurs around 1590-1594. The second period occurs around 1595-1601 and produces works such as ''Julius Caesar.'' Finally, the third period of tragedies produces some of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies including, ''Othello,'' ''Macbeth,'' and ''Hamlet,'' and occurs around 1602-1610.<ref>AbsoluteShakespeare, . "William Shakespeare." <i>Absolute Shakespeare</i>. N.p., 2000-2005. Web. <http://absoluteshakespeare.com/william_shakespeare.htm></ref> | |||
== Key Characteristics == | == Key Characteristics == | ||
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* In every primitive tribe we find the shaman in the center of society, and is easy to show that he is either a neurotic or psychotic, or at least that his art is based on the same mechanisms as a neurosis or psychosis. The shaman make both visible and public the systems of symbolic fantasy that are present in the psyche of every adult member of society. They are the leaders in an infantile game and the lightening conductors of common anxiety. They fight the demons so that others can hunt prey and in general fight reality. —Geza Roheim, ''Magic and Schizophrenia''<ref>Róheim, Géza, Warner MUENSTERBERGER, and S. H. POSINSKY. Magic and Schizophrenia ... Edited by Warner Muensterberger with the Assistance of S.H. Posinsky, Etc. Pp. Viii. 230. International Universities Press: New York, 1955. </ref> | * In every primitive tribe we find the shaman in the center of society, and is easy to show that he is either a neurotic or psychotic, or at least that his art is based on the same mechanisms as a neurosis or psychosis. The shaman make both visible and public the systems of symbolic fantasy that are present in the psyche of every adult member of society. They are the leaders in an infantile game and the lightening conductors of common anxiety. They fight the demons so that others can hunt prey and in general fight reality. —Geza Roheim, ''Magic and Schizophrenia''<ref>Róheim, Géza, Warner MUENSTERBERGER, and S. H. POSINSKY. Magic and Schizophrenia ... Edited by Warner Muensterberger with the Assistance of S.H. Posinsky, Etc. Pp. Viii. 230. International Universities Press: New York, 1955. </ref> | ||
== Other Types of | == Other Types of Tragedy == | ||
Although most tragedies are famously known for their pessimistic qualities and fallen heroes, this is not the only type of tragedy that should receive universal recognition. There are different types of tragedies that incorporate revenge, violence, domesticity, social class, and comedic plots. | Although most tragedies are famously known for their pessimistic qualities and fallen heroes, this is not the only type of tragedy that should receive universal recognition. There are different types of tragedies that incorporate revenge, violence, domesticity, social class, and comedic plots. | ||
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The last type of tragedy commonly known is the tragedy that incorporates comedic relief. They are commonly known as “tragicomedies.” While the events in tragicomedies are often considered with tragic and humorous, their main purpose is to revel a major problem for the character(s), but a happy ending is achieved due to unknown circumstances typically at a time of panic. The greatest examples that display the qualities of a tragicomedy is Shakespeare’s ''The Merchant of Venice'' and John Fletcher’s ''The Faithful Shepherdess''. <ref>Lethbridge, Stefanie, and Jarmila Mildorf. "Tragicomedy." <i>Types of Tragedy</i>. N.p., Mar. 2004. Web. <http://www2.anglistik.uni-freiburg.de/intranet/englishbasics/DramaSubgenres02.htm></ref> | The last type of tragedy commonly known is the tragedy that incorporates comedic relief. They are commonly known as “tragicomedies.” While the events in tragicomedies are often considered with tragic and humorous, their main purpose is to revel a major problem for the character(s), but a happy ending is achieved due to unknown circumstances typically at a time of panic. The greatest examples that display the qualities of a tragicomedy is Shakespeare’s ''The Merchant of Venice'' and John Fletcher’s ''The Faithful Shepherdess''. <ref>Lethbridge, Stefanie, and Jarmila Mildorf. "Tragicomedy." <i>Types of Tragedy</i>. N.p., Mar. 2004. Web. <http://www2.anglistik.uni-freiburg.de/intranet/englishbasics/DramaSubgenres02.htm></ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||