Transcript Slide 1
Final Analysis of Julius Caesar “That was a real tragedy.” or “That was so tragic.” “Tragedy is when I cut my finger.” “Comedy is when you fall down a sewer.” -- Comedian Mel Brooks A tragedy is a dramatic form with a few distinguishing characteristics: 1. The story focuses on a TRAGIC HERO - a person of high rank. 2. This character experiences a “reversal of fortune” that ends in his downfall. 3. Audiences often feel pity for the character (called a catharsis) 4. The character contributes to his downfall because of a A character’s tragic flaw is the weakness in his/her character that causes the character’s downfall. Some common examples of tragic flaws are pride, jealousy, greed, anger, and idealism. Tragic Heroes in Pop Culture GREED ARROGANCE OBLIVIOUS TO HIS SURROUNDINGS FEAR OF LOSING CONTROL HIGH RANK WALTER WHITE ANAKIN SKYWALKER TRAGIC FLAW CATHARSIS? Drug Kingpin (very powerful) Discovered by his relative Ambition for more money and power We do feel some pity for what he has done to himself and his family Disney star Falls into the wrong crowd Believes she is above the law and can do anything she wants Not yet Most successful coach Discovery of Sandusky scandal Inability to recognize what was going on Many people around here do, but others around the country don’t Great Jedi Crosses over to the dark side Fear of losing people around him By the end of Return of the Jedi we feel bad for him LINDSAY LOHAN JOE PATERNO REVERSAL Your neighbor loses his job and family because of an obsession with alcohol. The king of a country does more and more bad things. Eventually he is thrown in jail because he bragged about it on Twitter. The president of a foreign country is assassinated by a group of rebels. A once-proud senator is kicked out of office for taking bribes from special interest groups. A city councilman follows corrupt colleagues because of his trust of others and ends up guilty of fraud. Writing Assignment In a response of at least 1-2 written pages, explain how the play is an example of a literary tragedy. Who do you argue is the play’s tragic hero? Be sure to explain how the play is an example of Literary Tragedy. Be sure to explain how your character choice is an example of a tragic hero. Be sure to explain the character’s tragic flaw. Be sure to use real events from the play to support your answer. Character: __________________ HIGH RANK TRAGIC FLAW REVERSAL CATHARSIS? TEXT EVIDENCE ACT ONE Scene 1 – Commoners argue with Marullus/Flavius Scene 2 – Cassius discusses Caesar’s growing power with Brutus, Caesar refuses the crown, Cassius plans to trick Brutus Scene 3 – Big storm, bad omens around town ACT TWO Scene 1 – Brutus decides to kill Caesar, Portia wants to know what’s wrong Scene 2 – Caesar’s wife doesn’t want him to go to the capital, but he decides to anyway Scene 3 – Artimedorus tries to warn Caesar ACT THREE Scene 1 – Caesar is killed, Cassius and Brutus disagree about Antony Scene 2 – Funeral speeches Scene 3 – Cinna the poet is killed ACT FOUR Scene 1 – Antony and Octavius decide who will live Scene 2 – Brutus and Cassius argue, Caesar returns ACT FIVE Final battle, everyone kills themselves.