Summary of "part 2 | tragedy in classical drama | english literature ba 5th sem | unit 1 historical background"

Summary of “part 2 | tragedy in classical drama | english literature ba 5th sem | unit 1 historical background”

Main Ideas and Concepts

This video is a continuation of a lecture series on English Literature for BA 5th semester, focusing on Tragedy in Classical Drama. It completes the discussion started in the previous video on Comedy and Tragedy, now concentrating on tragedy: its definition, types, elements, features, and its place in classical drama.

1. Definition and Meaning of Tragedy

Tragedy is a form of drama characterized by sorrow and misfortune, often ending in the death of the hero or heroine.
The word “tragedy” derives from Greek: tragos (goat) and aoide (song), possibly linked to goat sacrifice rituals.
Tragedy deals with serious, critical subjects involving human suffering and traumatic events.
According to Aristotle, tragedy aims to arouse pity and fear in the audience.

2. Examples of Tragedy

Shakespeare’s famous tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello.
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (domestic tragedy).
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (social tragedy).

3. Types of Tragedy

Five types of tragedy are explained:

Romantic Tragedy Includes romance with a sad/unhappy ending, usually involving the death of hero or heroine. Example: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare.
Heroic Tragedy Popular during the English Restoration period. Themes of love and honor with epic magnitude. Strict adherence to the unity of time, place, and action. Example: The Conquest of Granada by John Dryden.
Domestic Tragedy Focuses on ordinary people and family struggles in daily life. Family relationships are central. Example: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.
Social Tragedy Deals with social issues affecting the middle and working classes. Example: A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
Revenge Tragedy Centers on a tragic hero seeking revenge for a personal loss. Popular during the Renaissance. Example: Hamlet by Shakespeare.

4. Elements (Essentials) of Tragedy (According to Aristotle)

Six essential elements for a good tragedy:

Plot: The storyline or sequence of events in the tragedy.
Theme: The central idea or moral lesson of the tragedy.
Characters: The individuals in the play, especially the hero and heroine, who drive the plot.
Dialogue: The spoken words written by the playwright that move the plot forward.
Diction: The style and use of language, including metrical composition.
Song (Chorus): Language embellishment delivered through song and dance by a group (chorus), enhancing the emotional effect.

5. Features (Characteristics) of Tragedy

Five key features:

Tragic Hero: The main good character who faces downfall.
Villain: The evil character or force that causes the hero’s downfall.
Setting: Usually gloomy or somber, reflecting the tragic mood.
Journey Towards Fall: The hero’s progression from good fortune to downfall through a series of serious events.
Moral Message: Every tragedy conveys a moral lesson or educates the audience about right and wrong.

6. Tragedy in Classical Drama

Classical tragedy is a genre showing the downfall of a noble protagonist due to their own flaws (fatal flaw) and external circumstances.
Themes often include fate, morality, and the human condition.
Tragic plots follow a specific structure: introduction of the tragic hero, presentation of fatal flaw, reversal of fortune, moment of self-realization, and the hero’s ultimate suffering and death.
Famous classical tragedies include:
- Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
- Medea by Euripides
Shakespeare’s Renaissance tragedies (Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello) are iconic for exploring human nature and complex emotions.
The French Neoclassical period continued the classical tradition.

7. Exam Tips

For long answers, write detailed paragraphs covering the full explanation of tragedy and its types.
For short or very short answers, condense the information accordingly.
Writing more detailed answers (2+ pages) is recommended for full marks.
The video encourages watching previous related videos for better understanding.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker: The lecturer (unnamed) delivering the BA 5th semester English Literature course.
Referenced Authors and Playwrights:
- Aristotle (definition and elements of tragedy)
- William Shakespeare (Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Romeo and Juliet)
- Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman)
- Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House)
- John Dryden (The Conquest of Granada)
- Sophocles (Oedipus Rex)
- Euripides (Medea)