Page 23 - DENG403_BRITISH_DRAMA

Unit 1: Literary Terms: Classical and Aristotle’s Concept of Tragedy and Tragic Hero

Denouement : Literally meaning the action of untying, a denouement is the final outcome of the Notes
main complication in a play, as of a drama or novel. Usually the climax (the turning
point or “crisis”) of the work has already occurred by the time the denouement occurs.
It is sometimes referred to as the explanation or outcome of a drama that reveals all
the secrets and misunderstandings connected to the plot.
Diction : It is the expresion of the meaning in words which is proper and appropriate to the
plot, characters, and end of the tragedy.
Enhanced : It refers to the fact that all plays at the time were written in poetic verse rather than
Language language of everyday speech.
Genre : A type of literature. We say a poem, novel, story, or other literary work belongs to a
particular genre if it shares at least a few conventions, or standard characteristics,
with other works in that genre. For example, works in the Gothic genre often feature
supernatural elements, attempts to horrify the reader, and dark, foreboding settings,
particularly very old castles or mansions.
Hamartia : (from Greek hamartanein, “to err”), inherent defect or shortcoming in the hero of a
tragedy, who is in other respects a superior being favoured by fortune or the flaw or
error in character which leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy.
Magnitude : It refers to the appropriate length of a production.
Melody : Also known as song is the musical element of the chorus.
Motif : A recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature. A motif may also be
two contrasting elements in a work, such as good and evil.
Pathos : The third element of plot, is a destructive or painful act.
Peripeteia : It is a condition whn a situation seems to developing in one direction, and then
suddenly reverses to another .
Point of : A way the events of a story are conveyed to the reader, it is the “vantage point” from
view which the narrative is passed from author to the reader. The point of view can vary
from work to work.
Protagonist : A protagonist is considered to be the main character or lead figure in a novel, play,
story, or poem. It may also be referred to as the “hero” of a work. Over a period of
time the meaning of the term protagonist has changed. The word protagonist
originated in ancient Greek drama and referred to the leader of a chorus. Soon the
definition was changed to represent the first actor onstage. In some literature today
it may be difficult to decide who is playing the role of the protagonist.
Recognition : Also means knowing again or knowing back or knowing throughout, is a chance
from ignorance to awareness of a bond of love or hate.
Tragedy : It depicts the downfall of a noble hero or heroine, usually through some combination
of hubris, fate, and the will of the gods.

1.5 Review Questions

1. Define tragedy.
2. Mention any two qualities of Aristotle’s tragedy.
3. What is meant by tragic hero?
4. Write short notes on the following terms:
(a) Plot (b) Character (c) Melody

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