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Tragic Hero Essay Assignment
A Tragic Hero must have a chance of surviving the
action of the play. The reason for the death of the hero
is the effect of a series of choices the character makes.
At some point in the play the hero makes a choice or
quick series of choices that ultimately allows the forces
operating against the hero to succeed rather than
allowing the hero to succeed. Thus, the only decision
left to the tragic hero is to meet death with dignity.
The reason why the hero cannot make the right crucial
choice(s) is because there is some weakness in the
personality of the heroic character that influences the
hero’s tragic decision(s).
If the “hero” starts out with no power to make choices
which will allow for his survival, the story is not
Tragedy but Pathos. If the hero cannot survive, even
from the very beginning, the character becomes a
pathetic character because all the audience can do is
pity and admire him as he struggles to survive against
overwhelming odds. All we see is the impending death
of the hero and the dignity with which he faces his
inevitable doom.
Take a careful look at the decisions the following characters make
throughout story.
Romeo
Juliet
Friar Laurence
Capulet
o Lord
o Lady
 Nurse
 Mercutio
 Tybalt




1. Decide that Romeo is ultimately responsible for his own decisions and
thus responsible for his death and the death of others. Explain, in the
context of the whole play, why. What is his “tragic flaw”?
OR
2. Decide that Romeo is ultimately the victim of circumstances and must
die as the result of decisions others made. Explain, in the context of the
whole play, why. Why doesn’t he have a “tragic flaw”?
Write an essay of at least 5 paragraphs: (yes, you may write more body
paragraphs)
Introduction (with Thesis statement)
3+ body paragraphs with
Topic sentence
Concrete detail (Act?, scene?, lines?) follow each CD
Commentary
Commentary
Concrete detail (Act?, scene?, lines?) follow each CD
Commentary
Commentary
Concluding sentence
(with a transition to the next paragraph)
Concluding paragraph
The process
In class time for
Brainstorming
Shaping the essay
Hand written Rough Draft
The final paper will be word processed in the Career Center. A hand
written rough draft is required before any student will be allowed access
to a computer.
Remember! Shakespeare could have made this play a Comedy simply by
allowing Juliet to awaken before Romeo takes the poison. 30 second
separates the death of Romeo and the awakening of Juliet. Shakespeare
consciously chose to allow them all to die rather than to live happily ever
after. What clues does he put into the play that “suggests” the play is a
true tragedy (Other than the title of the play)? What clues does
Shakespeare put into the play that suggest the play in Not a tragedy?
Remember:
What does it say?
What does it mean?
How do you know?
Why does it matter?
Final Essay MUST include:
Brainstorming
Shaping sheet
Hand written rough draft(s)
Perfected Final Draft