Tragic Hero and Greek Theatre Background Unit 5 Oedipus Tragedy defined by Aristotle An imitation of an action Must provide catharsis Spiritual purge Hero must be significant Hero makes choice based on hamartia This choice leads to a change of fortune Recognition and reversal Written in highest form of poetry Tragic Hero TRAGIC HEROES ARE:     BORN INTO NOBILITY: RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN FATE ENDOWED WITH A TRAGIC FLAW DOOMED TO MAKE A SERIOUS ERROR IN JUDGEMENT EVENTUALLY, TRAGIC HEROES   FALL FROM GREAT HEIGHTS OR HIGH ESTEEM REALIZE THEY HAVE MADE AN IRREVERSIBLE MISTAKE FACES AND ACCEPTS DEATH WITH HONOR MEET A TRAGIC DEATH FOR ALL TRAGIC HEROES THE AUDIENCE IS AFFECTED BY PITY and/or FEAR Greek Theatres Play Structure Prologue Parados First Episode (Scene) First Stasimon (Ode) Exodos Greek Theatres Play Structure Prologue Parados First Episode (Scene) First Stasimon (Ode) Exodos Elements of the Drama Actors Chorus Messenger Greek Theatres Elements of the Drama Actors Chorus Messenger Masks and Costumes Elements of the Drama Actors Chorus Messenger Masks and Costumes Greek Theatres Masks and Costumes Terms To Know Hamartia – error in judgement Catharsis – emotional cleansing Hubris – excessive pride Anagnorsis – recognition that leads to reversal in fortune Peripeteia- reversal of fortune Moirai – three Greek fates Mimesis- Greek word for imitation