Download Shakespearean Tragedy Plot

ENG 3U1
Analyzing Shakespearean Plot
Greek Tragedy- Typical Format
3. Ate (persecution)
Ate, a Greek word for 'ruin, folly, delusion', is the action performed
by the hero, usually because of his/her hubris, or great pride, that leads
to his/her death or downfall. At this point in the plot, the character
experiences a turn of fortune and suffering.
2. Hubris (pride)
Hubris is exaggerated self pride
self-confidence (overbearing pride),
often resulting in fatal retribution.
In Ancient Greek hubris referred to
actions taken in order to shame the victim,
thereby making oneself seem superior.
1. Hamartia (tragic flaw)
Hamartia is usually translated
as a mistake, flaw, failure, fault,
or sin. The "tragic hero" attempts to
do the "right thing" in a situation where
the right thing cannot be done. In Greek,
the word hamartia is rooted in the notion
of missing the mark (hamartanein) and covers
a broad spectrum that includes accident and
mistake[1], as well as wrongdoing, error, or sin.[2]
Even an accident may be considered an appropriate
translation of hamartia, since "in both cases
one may end up missing the target."[3]
4. Nemesis (justice)
In Greek mythology, Nemesis,
the spirit of divine retribution, was
against those who succumb to hubris;
a vengeful fate personified as a
remorseless goddess.
The name Nemesis means "to give what is
due." At this point in the plot, balance is
restored.
5. Catastrophe (destruction)
The catastrophe is the final resolution
in a poem or narrative plot, which
unravels the intrigue and brings the
piece to a close. In tragedies, it may
be the death of one or more of the
main characters.