Tragic hero

Definition

A tragic hero is a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. Typically, this character possesses noble qualities and a tragic flaw, which makes their fall from grace poignant and evokes pity and fear in the audience. In the realm of modern theatre, the tragic hero's journey often reflects the absurdity of human existence and the struggle against oppressive societal forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Waiting for Godot', characters Vladimir and Estragon can be seen as tragic heroes whose inability to find meaning leads to their perpetual waiting, illustrating a modern twist on the concept.
2. In 'Rhinoceros', Berenger's struggle against societal conformity highlights his tragic hero status as he grapples with his own moral choices amidst an absurd world.
3. Tragic heroes often evoke both sympathy and fear, as their flaws are relatable yet lead to catastrophic outcomes.
4. Unlike classical tragic heroes, modern interpretations may challenge traditional notions of heroism, emphasizing existential themes over noble virtues.
5. The tragic hero's journey in modern works often critiques societal norms and explores the impact of absurdity on individual identity.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the tragic hero manifest in 'Waiting for Godot' through the characters of Vladimir and Estragon?
  • In 'Waiting for Godot', Vladimir and Estragon exemplify the tragic hero through their endless waiting for meaning that never arrives. Their noble desire for purpose collides with their tragic flaw of passivity and indecision. This inability to act not only traps them in a cycle of despair but also evokes pity from the audience, showcasing the modern interpretation of the tragic hero as individuals lost in an absurd reality.
• Discuss how Berenger in 'Rhinoceros' embodies the qualities of a tragic hero while confronting societal pressures.
  • Berenger embodies the qualities of a tragic hero by initially displaying apathy towards his society but eventually recognizing the importance of individuality amidst rampant conformity. His struggle against the transformation of his friends into rhinoceroses symbolizes his internal conflict between societal pressures and personal morals. This conflict leads to his ultimate isolation, highlighting both his nobility in resisting conformity and the tragic nature of his failure to save those around him.
• Evaluate how modern interpretations of the tragic hero differ from classical notions, particularly in 'Waiting for Godot' and 'Rhinoceros'.
  • Modern interpretations of the tragic hero differ significantly from classical notions by focusing more on existential themes rather than traditional virtues like nobility or honor. In 'Waiting for Godot', the characters embody a sense of futility in their quest for meaning, illustrating how absurdism reshapes our understanding of heroism. Similarly, in 'Rhinoceros', Berenger's fight against societal absurdity reflects a more introspective struggle rather than a grand moral conflict typical of classical heroes. This shift emphasizes how tragedy can stem from the absurdity of human existence rather than clear moral failings.

Related terms

Hamartia: The tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero.

Catharsis: The emotional release or purification that an audience experiences as a result of the tragic events unfolding in the play.

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that suggests human existence is meaningless and irrational, often reflected in modern theatrical works.