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== Introduction To Tragedy == | == Introduction To Tragedy == | ||
The noun, “tragedy” derives from the Greek word,“tragoidia.” However, “tragedy” | The noun, “tragedy” derives from the Greek word,“tragoidia.” Roger Dunkle discusses in his "Greek Tragedy" article on how tragedy is always associated with the "one dictionary definition [that] says: 'any play or narrative that seriously treats of calamitous events and has an unhappy but meaningful ending' or just 'any dramatic, disastrous event'," but it can also have an association with play genres. However, “tragedy” should still be considered a noun that has a fluid definition because it has multiple forms. Tragedy can be an aftermath, a type of play, a [[ character ]], a feeling, or a conflict that contains multiple situational circumstances. Tragedy mainly encompasses negative connotations because it often accompanies traits of sadness, misfortune, and despair. Tragedy can be depicted as the result of a disturbing event, a literary classification, a displeasing situation, or even a movie, or playwright that evokes a high level of somberness and sorrow. Tragedy has an intended purpose to invoke grief and misery in its audience, whether it is in a play, book, or movie. | ||
Tragedy is a public genre, or literary work found most popular in written play scripts to be performed by actors. The main character of the tragic drama is often a [[ hero ]] that encounters grave trouble and adversity. However, the hero’s misfortune is not inadvertent, nor is it unimportant. Instead, the misfortune is often a key element of the hero’s behavior and a true determiner of the ending to the play. Tragedy focuses on the inner weaknesses of mankind, but these weaknesses are often caused by external forces. Most audiences view the misfortune that the [[ protagonist ]] experiences as unwarranted. Although tragedies are known for their susceptibility to have sadness and despair, there is often an optimistic solution for the hero’s hardships. This is not to say that the entirety of the characters won’t experience anguish and woe. | Tragedy is a public genre, or literary work found most popular in written play scripts to be performed by actors. The main character of the tragic drama is often a [[ hero ]] that encounters grave trouble and adversity. However, the hero’s misfortune is not inadvertent, nor is it unimportant. Instead, the misfortune is often a key element of the hero’s behavior and a true determiner of the ending to the play. Tragedy focuses on the inner weaknesses of mankind, but these weaknesses are often caused by external forces. Most audiences view the misfortune that the [[ protagonist ]] experiences as unwarranted. Although tragedies are known for their susceptibility to have sadness and despair, there is often an optimistic solution for the hero’s hardships. This is not to say that the entirety of the characters won’t experience anguish and woe. | ||
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== Origins of Tragedy == | == Origins of Tragedy == | ||
The Greek word "tragoidia" translates to "goat song," which could mean one of several | The Greek word "tragoidia" translates to "goat song," which could mean one of several definitions. 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" (Dunkle). In fifth century BC, it was often said that goats were "a song for the prize of a goat or song at the sacrifice of a goat," and were also used as sacrifices in early rituals (Dunkle). 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, and was likely to be a priest because these rituals had a religious [[ theme ]]. Eventually, dialogue between the speaker and dancers took place, which lead to the introduction of the chorus. Over time, these ritualistic elements continued to evolve into the tragedy as it is known today. | ||
In ancient Greece, annual festivals were held in honor of the Greek god Dionysus. The goat was a sacred animal to him | In ancient Greece, annual festivals were held in honor of the Greek god, Dionysus. The goat was a sacred animal to him because he was the god of vegetation and wine. Because goats contained 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 being prominent. As tragedies have developed, they have continued to raise questions such as the reasoning behind suffering, and the balance of good and evil. Additionally, tragedies have maintained their sad and dispirited qualities. | ||
== General Characteristics == | == General Characteristics == | ||
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* [http://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Tragedy.htm Tragedy: The Basics] — Some history, a definition, and some links by Michael Webster. | * [http://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Tragedy.htm Tragedy: The Basics] — Some history, a definition, and some links by Michael Webster. | ||
* [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/601884/tragedy.html Tragedy] — Article on tragedy by Richard B. Sewall. | * [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/601884/tragedy.html Tragedy] — Article on tragedy by Richard B. Sewall. | ||
* [http://cgim.dbq.edu/cgim/greece05/greek_tragedy.htm — Article on Greek tragedy by Roger Dunkle | |||