English Literature Tragedy Key Terms

Questions and Answers

What does 'megalopsychia' mean?

Greatness of soul (correct)

Fall from high to low status

Excessive pride

Downfall, error of judgement

What is the meaning of 'peripeteia'?

Downfall, error of judgement

Recognition of wrong doing

Fall from high to low status (correct)

Greatness of soul

What does 'harmatia' imply?

Downfall, error of judgement (correct)

Greatness of soul

Excessive pride

Purging of emotions

What is 'hubris' associated with?

Excessive pride Signup and view all the answers

What does 'anagnorisis' refer to?

Recognition of wrong doing, reflection Signup and view all the answers

What does 'catharsis' mean?

Purging of emotions by the audience Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the 'tragic hero'?

The protagonist of the story, victim of fate Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tragic villain' refer to?

A character who opposes the hero, like Iago Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'tragic victim'?

Victim of the tragic hero or fate Signup and view all the answers

Who is described as the 'truth teller'?

The hero's companion, like Emilia Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fate' signify in tragedy?

The cause of inevitable demise Signup and view all the answers

What is 'wheel of fortune' associated with?

The constant turns of fate Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'myopia'?

Blindness Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pathos' evoke?

Feelings of pity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terminology in Tragedy

Megalopsychia: Refers to the concept of "greatness of soul," often associated with noble characters in tragic literature.
Peripeteia: Represents the dramatic turning point where a character experiences a fall from high to low status, marking a shift in their fortune.
Hamartia: Denotes the character's downfall or error in judgment, which leads to the tragedy's unfolding events.
Hubris: Describes excessive pride or arrogance, commonly found in tragic heroes that propels them towards their fate.

Character Archetypes

Anagnorisis: The moment of recognition or self-awareness when a character acknowledges their wrongdoing or their situation.
Catharsis: A critical element of tragedy, describing the emotional release or purging experienced by the audience in response to the unfolding drama.
Tragic Hero: The central character typically portrayed as a victim of fate; examples include Othello from Shakespeare and Willy Loman from Miller's "Death of a Salesman."
Tragic Villain: A character representing opposition to the hero or protagonist, such as Iago from "Othello," often manipulative and malevolent.

Additional Concepts

Tragic Victim: Refers to characters who suffer due to the actions of the tragic hero, like Desdemona in "Othello," illustrating the collateral damage of tragedy.
Truth Teller: Represents a character who reveals truth and opposes villainous deeds; in "Othello," this role is embodied by Emilia, who contrasts the villain's deceptions.
Fate: A core theme in tragedy, serving as the force that leads to the inevitable decline or demise of the characters involved.
Wheel of Fortune: Symbolizes the ever-turning wheel of fate that dictates the ups and downs of the characters' lives, reflecting the randomness of fortune.
Myopia: Represents a metaphorical "blindness" in characters, often referring to their inability to see the reality of their circumstances or the consequences of their actions.
Pathos: The quality that evokes feelings of pity and sorrow within the audience, a fundamental element that enhances the emotional experience of a tragedy.

Description

Explore key terms associated with tragedy in English literature through flashcards. Understand essential concepts such as hubris, peripeteia, and catharsis to enhance your knowledge of tragic narratives. Perfect for literature students and enthusiasts alike!