Running Head: TRAGIC HERO

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TRAGIC HERO
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Tragic Hero

Definition of tragedy
As conveyed by the philosopher, tragedy was understood to be a form of serious drama
that did not necessarily have to-though often did, end with the demise and fall of a character. It is
seen in many depictions that the tragic feeling is usually evoked whenever in the presence of one
who is ready to down his or her own life so as to achieve particular goal being sought (Hochman,
1984); hence the espousal by some literary analysts that tragedy is the compulsion of an
individual to evaluate himself or herself justly. This concept has also been seen to excite
significant differences in regards to the time of the literary pieces depicted it; hence the ancient
Greek and modern versions of tragedy. In essence, tragedy was a through which the created
literary pieces could deal with more serious issues unlike comedy. This discussion therefore sets
to elaborate on how Sophocles Oedipus exemplifies Aristotles definition of a tragic hero. An
outline is also used in mapping out the areas to be chiefly delved into in bringing out the thesis in
its entirety.
Use of tragedy and its modern understanding
The literary concept of tragic hero has a deep-seated history due its early usage by Greeks
in their mythologies. A key aspect of the Greeks usage of this concept was the ability of tragic
heroes to be either antagonists or protagonists. Their notion of tragedy was significantly different
from the modern one as it was perceived as a drama of the serious kind that not typically have to
end on a sad note (Brunner, 200). The Greeks used tragedy as a way of addressing serious issues
portrayed by similarly serious characters unlike the case of comical pieces. It is from this point
of view that Aristotle espoused his definition of tragedy; describing it as an imitation of serious
action that is complete and of a particular magnitude. The language used in such pieces are also

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of many pleasurable accessories which are depicted in various parts. The specific tragedy is also
brought out in a dramatic way rather than a simple narrative; arousing both fear and pity.
The tragic hero is seen to be the main character who endures a notable amount of
suffering which comes at the pleasure of the audience. It is a literary concept that has been used
by various cultural heritages and literary works and still remains as a chief reference to a specific
tradition with significant connotations of relations to the Greek civilization (Hochman, 1984).
The tragic heroes- as exemplified by Oedipus, excite serious conflicts in a number of social
institutions such as the family and government life.In fact, conflict has been conventionally held
to be at the very crux of tragedy-based literature featuring tragic heroes. Without this conflict, it
is near impossible to have a tragic hero in the story. The scope of conflict warranting the
imputation of a tragic hero is also not strictly limited to moral conflicts over good and bad; but
could also entail a conflict between issues of rights and the legitimacy institutions. The tragic
hero then comes in to make a change in what was initially held as being unmovable. Examples
include the ethical norms of a peoples life that pose the threat of destruction and change of
status quo. The tragic heroes such as Oedipus usually have character traits which resultantly
instigate the underlying conflict as he insists on his held convictions with a level of stubborn
fixity which becomes hard to change.
Concept of archytpes
Understanding the concept of archetypes is also fundamental for purposes of this
discussion as it helps in denoting the archetypal attributes shared between Oedipus and other
characters of a similar nature. All tragic heroes have a set of archetypal traits which set them
apart as individuals. When portrayed as protagonists, they are commonly of noble stature due to
the understanding that the essence of tragedy would be lost if the characters did not have a

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position which they eventually fall from. This type of heroes also typically attributed with a
tragic flaw which ultimately leads to their demise in the literary sense. Pride has been commonly
deduced as the chief reason of the heros fall. This fall is however different from failure, because
the tragic hero usually attains his objective through the fall. The flaw is usually also different
from a weakness as it is primarily driven by the heros inability to remain passive in light of
certain events which the hero perceives as posing a threat to his dignity (Hochman, 1984). The
flawless individuals are therefore those who refrain themselves from reacting to the events. Most
common men are found in the latter category.
How Oedipus exemplifies Aristotles definition of tragedy
Oedipus is first seen as the tragic in the given literary piece by virtue of having been
saved from the jaws of death by a shepherd after his father ordered for his killing. He then
decides to move away from his home after learning that he was doomed to kill his father.
Aristotle explains that there cannot be a hero until the individual sees the cause of his downfall
and demise. This condition is cogently satisfied in the case of Oedipus as he learns of his destiny
early on in life and still proceeds to kill the king; hence the gods wrath which was manifested
through the rotting of his kingdom. Oedipus is seen as fulfilling all the three fundamental
elements of a tragic hero as set out by Aristotle. The audience is firstly able to form an
attachment with him, then they fear for what might befall the character before finally pitying him
for the misfortune that inevitably strikes. This has led to Aristotles and other critics assertion
that Oedipus is indeed the ideal tragic hero (Hochman, 1984).
Comparison of Oedipus and other similar characters
Keen comparison between the story of Oedipus and others of a similar nature is
imperative in ascertaining that the former is indeed a tragic hero as per the accounts of other

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analysts as well. A suitable example is that of Socrates; which has been held as loudly echoing
the position of Aristotle as far as tragic heroes are concerned. According to Aristotle, tragic
heroes usually go through a form of seriousness which entails the change of great mans fortune
from good to bad. He however explains that this change is usually good in some instances as it
makes other have feelings of fear and pity while they see the characters suffering and experience
(Brunner, 200). In this respect therefore, the death of Socrates is nothing short of that of a tragic
hero. He was of the view that there are some things which are worth dying for because dying due
to the loyalty one holds in the belief is better off than remaining alive at the cost of forsaking the
ideals.

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References
Brunner, M. (2000). King Oedipus Retried. London: Rosenberger & Krauze London.
Krystyna. C. (2003). Shakespeare in Poland: selected Issues. Internet Shakespeare Editions,
University of Victoria.
Hochman, S. (1984). McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of world drama: an international reference
work. 5:1.VNR AG.