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Tragedy: Difference between revisions
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[[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|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. | 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. | ||
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> | 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> | ||
== | == Key Characteristics == | ||
* Mimetic Perspective — the sudden and catastrophic [[peripeteia | fall]] of a great person from fortune to misfortune. | * Mimetic Perspective — the sudden and catastrophic [[peripeteia | fall]] of a great person from fortune to misfortune. | ||
* Affective | * Affective Perspective — arouses a [[catharsis]] of pity and terror. | ||
* Causal relationship between character and fate — character contributes to destiny. | * Causal relationship between character and fate — character contributes to destiny. | ||
* Character not eminently good or noble, a mean between goodness and depravity. Possesses a [[hamartia]], tragic flaw or simply a mistake in judgement. | * Character not eminently good or noble, a mean between goodness and depravity. Possesses a [[hamartia]], tragic flaw or simply a mistake in judgement. | ||