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Tragedy: Difference between revisions
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The last type of tragedy is that which 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 is that which 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> | ||
== Tragedy Today == | |||
There are several key differences between classical tragedy and the modern form of tragedy we can observe today. The first being that the true definition of tragedy has become less precise as time has passed. The primary setting is one that focuses on the status limitations of the common man. The main character may not fit the classical picture of royalty, but rather appear as an average man in an average environment. <ref>Diana Otto. "The Tragic Genre from Classical to Contemporary: King Lear and A Thousand Acres." <i>Tragedy Today</i>. N.p., 2014. Web. <http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/2001/4/01.04.06.x.html#j></ref> The second difference is seen in societal oppression playing a much larger role than what is seen in classical tragedies. Instead of a poor decision being made solely by the main character, themes of an unkind and harsh society are highlighted as contributing factors. The last primary difference is in audience affect; a transition is seen from catharsis and pity to true empathy as the plight is viewed as utterly relatable. <ref>Diana Otto. "The Tragic Genre from Classical to Contemporary: King Lear and A Thousand Acres." <i>Tragedy Today</i>. N.p., 2014. Web. <http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/2001/4/01.04.06.x.html#j></ref> The change of focus from a mighty royal hero descending to despair to that of a relatable common man facing oppression and everyday tragedy is the primary difference between classical and modern forms of tragedy. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||