Greek Tragedy

Question 1

Hamartia

Answer 1

Fatal flaw that causes the downfall of the hero.

Doctor Faustus=pride

Question 2

Hubris

Answer 2

Excessive pride and disrespect for natural order of things

Doctor Faustus= his fatal flaw and causes his downfall

Question 3

Peripeteia

Answer 3

The reversal of fate of the hero

Doctor Faustus= arguably when he signs the deal with Lucifer (act 2 sc.1) and becomes damned?

Question 4

Anagnorisis

Answer 4

Important discovery made.

Doctor Faustus=act 5 sc.2 when he realises his mistakes and no longer feels worthy of God’s forgiveness

Question 5

Nemesis

Answer 5

Unavoidable punishment

DF= his damnation

Question 6

Catharsis

Answer 6

Release of emotions (usually pity and fear) in audience.

DF= feel pity and fear for a Faustus who seems so distraught and hopeless by the end of the play. A man with so much potential and intellect falls so far.

Question 7

Noble birth

Answer 7

The protagonist is often of noble birth to make downfall more shocking to audience.

DF= not of noble birth but was an academic, etc which could make his downfall even more tragic as he had worked so hard to get to were he was. Esp in those in Elizabethan audience who may have been hopeful to move up the social hierarchy.