Peripeteia In Hamlet

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Peripeteia or plot reversal is a tragic element that can be found in two tragic plays “Agamemnon”, “Hamlet” and “John F. Kennedy’s Secret Society Speech.”
Main Points
Both Agamemnon and Hamlet fulfill Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. There is an error in judgment involving one of higher standing, error results in suffering which in turn causes pity and fear in the audience. (Hamlet and Agamemnon and the audience in Secret Society Speech)
Both Agamemnon and Hamlet are Kings, their personalities contribute to their downfall. Kennedy on the other hand is the President of the United States. He is basically lecturing the media. All three protagonists are of high status.
Although Hamlet takes revenge, Agamemnon is the victim of revenge yet …show more content…

The media is aware of their mistake; that they might have leaked information that could put public safety at risk. The press must change with how they report news and that their lack of support can lead to compromising national security. Kennedy asks the media when reporting . He explains that he wants coverage of international news and wants the government to provide information to the public
His downfall is about two and a half years later, when Kennedy is assassinated.

Rewording of thesis:
Hamlet and Agamemnon are two tragic plays that are similar in that the protagonists are both men of power ultimately fall to their death. Peripeteia is evident in similar ways. The Secret Society Speech on the other hand is slightly different in that the protagonists are the audience.
Summary of points:
Agamemnon, although a warrior, falls to his death by falling in his wife’s trap. Cassandra, his slave has the gift of prophecy and sees their death but no one believes her. Hamlet on the other hand is a philosopher, he takes his time in avenging his father’s death thus meeting his fate.
Significance:
Plot reversals or peripeteia means that a situation changes in the plays/speech. This change can result in situations which can be difficult or in Hamlets and Agamemnon’s case

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