'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy
I can explore how the structure of the play ‘Othello’ meets or subverts Aristotle's model for tragedy.
'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy
I can explore how the structure of the play ‘Othello’ meets or subverts Aristotle's model for tragedy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Aristotle prescribed criteria for tragedy and comedy.
- Aristotle prescribed unity of time, place and action.
- The plot in a tragedy should evoke pity and fear in an audience and end with catharsis.
- A tragic hero - a man of noble standing with a fatal flaw and an error of judgement - must meet a demise.
Common misconception
A tragedy is simply a sad play.
Tragedies have specific conventions, such as a tragic hero and their hamartia, a tragic fall and elements of fate or the supernatural.
Keywords
Tragic hero - A central character that experiences a tragic downfall.
Hamartia - A tragic hero’s fatal fault or mistake that leads to their catastrophic end.
Peripeteia - A pivotal action that changes the protagonist’s fate from secure to vulnerable.
Catharsis - The process of releasing emotions.
Anagnorisis - A moment of insight where the tragic hero understands their fate.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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