Play as a Revenge Tragedy Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of a revenge tragedy?
A
A form of tragedy (popular in Elizabethan era because it was cathartic), in which the dominant motive is revenge for a real or imagined injury/catastrophe
2
Q
What are the main traits of malcontent? (Hamlet’s traits)
A
- Dissatisfied with society and their role in it (outsiders?)
- View society as corrupt and unfixable
- Often highly intellectual
- Used as a mouthpiece for playwright’s views
- Often commit immoral actions
3
Q
What are the main traits of a Machiavellian? (Claudius’ traits)
A
- Appears charming and charismatic
- Engages in lying and secrecy
- Carries out immoral actions
- For personal gain
- Interested in revenge/sabotage
- Desire for wealth and power
4
Q
What was the main purpose of meta-theatre?
A
- To maintain social rules surrounding towards taboo topics like revenge and the monarchy
- Reminds the audience that what they are seeing is a play (maintaining barrier between fiction and reality)
5
Q
Normally, how was revenge absolved at the end of revenge tragedies?
A
Typically, both the villain and the revenger die, meaning that the original crime has been avenged, but also the second killing as been avenged (served as a warning)
6
Q
What were the main traits of a revenger? (Laertes and Fortinbras’ traits)
A
- Fully of fury
- Wanting to take action immediately
