I. Introduction
Choosing the right story idea is crucial in writing a tragedy. A tragedy, by definition, is an emotional experience that produces feelings of pity and fear in the audience. In this article, we will explore different story ideas and evaluate which one best fits the traditional definition of tragedy.
II. The elements of classical tragedy and their application to various story ideas
In classical tragedy, several elements are expected to appear, including hamartia, hubris, and catharsis. Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw that leads to the downfall of the protagonist. Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence that the protagonist has. And catharsis refers to the emotional release that the audience is meant to experience.
When we apply these elements to various story ideas such as a tragic love story or a political drama, some stories may fit well within these elements, while others may not. For instance, a tragic love story like Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” has hamartia in Romeo’s impulsive nature, hubris in Capulet’s refusal to consider Romeo’s love for Juliet, and catharsis in viewers’ emotional reaction to the couple’s ending.
III. Comparative analysis of different tragic storylines
We can compare “Romeo and Juliet” to other well-known tragedy storylines from Oedipus Rex to “Hamlet” and find how they adhere to classical tragedy conventions. Oedipus Rex showcases the tragic flaw of pride or hubris, causing Oedipus’ downfall. Similarly, Hamlet’s tragic flaw is indecisiveness leading to his demise.
IV. The evolution of tragic storytelling and its impact on choosing a story idea
Tragic storytelling has evolved throughout history— from ancient Greek tragedies to the Elizabethan era’s Shakespearean plays, to the modern era’s realism-based stories. Changing cultural values and storytelling trends have shifted the definition of tragedy. Nevertheless, the elements of hamartia, hubris, and catharsis remain central to traditional tragedy.
Looking at different historical periods and contemporary cultural values, it can be concluded that the best fit for the classical definition of tragedy is a story with a moral lesson that evokes pity and fear in the audience.
V. The character of a tragic hero
The protagonist of a tragedy is a tragic hero who should have particular characteristics to qualify as “tragic.” Such traits could be elevated social status, affecting the society and a fatal flaw leading to downfall. Applying this definition to previously discussed examples, it is clear that both Romeo and Oedipus qualify as tragic heroes.
VI. The contemporary definition of tragedy
In contemporary culture, the definition of tragedy is continually redefined. It has expanded from moral lessons to embrace stories exploring despair, nihilism, and existential horror. Films like Requiem for a Dream and Leaving Las Vegas examine different interpretations of tragedy.
VII. Redefining tragedy and its impact on the choice of story idea
In conclusion, the definition of tragedy has evolved, and the story ideas suitable for it may be quite different from the traditional norms. However, the essence of producing an emotional experience that evokes an audience’s pity and fear remains unchanged. It is essential to redefine what constitutes tragic storylines to leave enough space for a diverse range of stories while still meeting fundamental expectations.
VIII. Conclusion
Choosing an appropriate story idea remains vital to creating a successful tragedy. As revealed in this article, classical conventions, contemporary cultural values, and storytelling trends can influence the criteria for what makes a story tragic. Thus, it is imperative to evaluate the elements of the story, such as hamartia, hubris, and catharsis, while defining the story idea to ensure that we create a timeless and witnessing experience for our readers or viewers.