Tragic Terminology

Question 1

Harmartia

Answer 1

A fatal flaw or error in judgement that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero e.g Othello’s excessive trust in Iago and his jealousy

Question 2

Peripeteia

Answer 2

A sudden reversal of fortune, where the protagonists situation shifts from good to bad e.g Othello seeing Cassio with Desdemona’s hankerchief which leads to his descent into jealousy and rage.

Question 3

Anagnorisis

Answer 3

The tragic hero’s moment of realisation- when they understand their error too late e.g Othello’s came after killing Desdemona

Question 4

Catharsis

Answer 4

The emotional release felt by the audience at the end of the tragedy, often through pity or fear e.g the audience experiences catharsis as Othello realises his mistakes and takes his own life.

Question 5

Hubris

Answer 5

Excessive pride or arrogance that leads to the tragic hero to ignore warnings or moral constraints e.g Othello refusing to seek Desdemona’s side of the story

Question 6

Pathos

Answer 6

Evokes pity, sympathy, or sadness from the audience e.g Desdemona’s unwavering love for Othello even as he mistreats her

Question 7

Denouement

Answer 7

Refers to the final resolution or conclusion of a narrative it is where the tensions and conflicts are unravelled, bringing closure

Question 8

exposition

Answer 8

essential information is introduced to the plot e.g Othello’s marriage to Desdemona in act 1