Literary notes about Tragedy (AI summary)
The term "tragedy" carries layered meanings in literature. In the dramatic realm it designates a complete, heroic, or cathartic action as outlined by Aristotle, marking works like Romeo and Juliet as emblematic tragedies [1, 2]. It frequently sets a stark contrast with comedy, emphasizing severity and the profound emotional experiences of fear, pity, and fate [3, 4]. Beyond the stage, "tragedy" is also employed to describe personal or societal misfortunes, from domestic sorrow to the bittersweet reflections on aging, thus broadening its scope to encapsulate both high art and the poignant realities of life [5, 6]. This multiplicity of uses, ranging from formal theatrical conventions to poignant portrayals of human loss, underscores the enduring influence of tragedy in shaping narrative and dramatic discourse [7, 8].
- THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare Contents THE PROLOGUE.
— from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - Every Tragedy, therefore, must have six parts, which parts determine its quality—namely, Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, Song.
— from The Poetics of Aristotle by Aristotle - The classic drama also drew a sharp line between tragedy and comedy, all fun being rigorously excluded from serious representations.
— from English Literature by William J. Long - But again, Tragedy is an imitation not only of a complete action, but of events inspiring fear or pity.
— from The Poetics of Aristotle by Aristotle - The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - And then a domestic tragedy took place at Ingleside.
— from Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery - accursed fatal hand That hath contriv'd this woeful tragedy!
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - [Pg 133] state, of which it was wise to rid one's self from time to time by a purgative: he regarded tragedy as a purgative.
— from The Twilight of the Idols; or, How to Philosophize with the Hammer. The Antichrist by Nietzsche
