Role Of Tragedy

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Tragedy. What comes to mind when you see or hear that word? For many, they often refer it to as “the play in which everybody dies.” But tragedy goes far more beyond that, it goes beneath the surface and digs up what is truly beneath. As exemplified in “Antigone” a tragedy depicts the downfall of a character through their flaws which results in a change in perspective or death. Even though it may seem as if the role of tragedy in a play causes nothing but mishaps, they hold a much greater significance and reaches towards a universal concept that sets tragedy apart from other genres such as comedy.
Often, Tragedy is inflicted upon a character because of their own personal flaw. The character, which can also be noted as the tragic hero, is someone who falls as a result of their flaw. Character traits such as pride, arrogance, ambition, etc. may make a character admirable and praiseworthy but when it is excessively overdone, it can become their worst enemy. At times, the problems a character inflicts upon themselves can not only harm them but also those around them that they may not intend to hurt. Antigone has been a victim of acting upon her flaw. “Perhaps you aimed too high.” (pg. 230) The chorus mentions as the case may be that Antigone stepped out of her boundary and went overboard. She dared to challenge Creon’s edict and went ahead to bury Polyneices when she was fully aware of the edict and punishment that awaits those who dare threaten it. “You dashed your foot on fate…” (pg.230) Antigone was too ambitious trying to fulfill her goal. She thought “the crime” (pg.213) she had committed was rather glorifying and “may be called a virtue there.” (pg.213) Antigone states that what she did was of moral goodness and in her eyes it i...

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... significant role in connecting the play to the audience. The effect of tragedy is called “Catharsis” which means purification. This makes sense since tragedy can teach viewers compassion and sympathy of others and purifies the soul of being rash and selfish. It brings us out as an audience to be more aware of others rather than ourselves. Tragedy can also reveal how a character really is, their true intentions and identity. For example, how far will one go to save a beloved one from danger or perhaps even death? In times of great hardship, things will slowly begin to reveal itself. From tragedy, viewers can also expect to learn a lesson or two from a character’s flaw rather than experiencing it firsthand for themselves. In conclusion, tragedy is a healthy and necessary component, whether in our lives or in plays, it is something that is truly meaningful to life.

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