Hubris: Difference between revisions

"In classical Greek ethical and religious thought, overweening presumption suggesting impious disregard of the limits governing human action in an orderly universe.(Merriam-Webster)" In other words, hubris, or ''hybris'', is an excessive sense of pride in a human being. They often believe that they can accomplish more than the universe itself will allow. Roger Fowler defines ''hubris'' as " a man's denial of his own mortality(p.198)." "''Hubris'' is the Greek word for 'insolance' or 'affront'(Baldick p.260)." Baldick continues, " Thus, ''hubris'' is the pride that comes before the fall(p.260)."

''Hubris'' is probably best defined through tragedy( generally, a play ending in death). " Aristotle attributes ''hamartia''(tragic flaw or shortcoming) to the tragic hero(Barnett-Berman-Burto p.112)." In the case of a tragedey, ''hubris'' is often the tragic flaw that causes the downfall of a hero. In the most famous examples, the Greek tragedies, the gods would become offended by a man that believed in himself too much. Therefore, they would torture him with unfortunate events that would eventually lead to his demise. ''Hubris'', at times, can also be a mistake. " In other plays, it(''hubris'') is merely a misstep, such as a choice that turns out badly(Barnett-Berman-Burto p.112)." For example, in Shakespere's ''Macbeth'', Macbeth kills Duncan in order to improve his life. In reality, the exact opposite happens, and Macbeth slowly spirals through a chain of events into despair.