What Is Tragic Flaw In Literature?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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: a flaw in character that brings about the downfall of the hero of a tragedy .

How is tragic flaw used in literature?

Tragic flaws allow writers to create characters that are complex and fully human , in addition to providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the impact of these defects. In Greek tragedy, the literary device of tragic flaw is essential to the action of the work, its fatal disclosure, and destructive outcome.

What are examples of tragic flaws?

Some examples of a tragic flaw include cowardice, ambition, over-protectiveness, and self-sacrifice .

What is the best example of a tragic flaw?

Explanation: In “The Tragedy of Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, the best example of a tragic flaw is Macbeth’s ambition to become king . The tragic flaw in the main character’s personality is one of the main characteristics of a tragedy. This tragic flaw will eventually provoke his downfall.

What does a tragic flaw cause?

Tragic/fatal flaw

It is a flaw which causes an otherwise noble or exceptional character to bring about their own downfall and, often, their eventual death . Examples of this could include hubris, misplaced trust, excessive curiosity, pride and lack of self-control.

What are flaws in a woman?

  • Cellulite. If cellulite is a flaw, then, well, most women are flawed. ...
  • Stretch Marks. Shutterstock. ...
  • Scars. Whether your scar is on your face or somewhere else on your body, it might always feel like someone is staring at it. ...
  • Dimples. Shutterstock. ...
  • Uneven Breasts. ...
  • Visible Veins. ...
  • Moles. ...
  • Freckles.

What are examples of character flaws?

  • Abusive. Being abusive is a character flaw many literary villains possess. ...
  • Addiction. Addiction is another common plot device used to move a story forward or create conflict in the character’s life. ...
  • Excessive Pride. ...
  • Fear. ...
  • Greed. ...
  • Jealousy. ...
  • Incompetence. ...
  • Lust for Power.

What is a foil in literature?

Foil, in literature, a character who is presented as a contrast to a second character so as to point to or show to advantage some aspect of the second character . ... Watson is a perfect foil for Holmes because his relative obtuseness makes Holmes’s deductions seem more brilliant.

What is tragic hero in literature?

noun. a great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat : Oedipus, the classic tragic hero.

What is Brutus tragic flaw?

Brutus’ tragic flaws are part of what makes him a tragic hero. In Julius Caesar, Brutus is a great example of a tragic hero. His tragic flaws are honor, poor judgement, and idealism (Bedell) . ... The conspirators wrote Brutus fake letters from the public to get him to join them.

What is the best example of a tragic hero?

Which of the following characters is the best example of a tragic hero? An ambitious prince is unable to save himself or his family after realizing too late how much his desire for power has cost him .

Which character is the best example of a tragic hero Macbeth?

Which character is the best example of a tragic hero Macbeth? I would say that the best example of a tragic hero in Macbeth is Macbeth himself . A tragic hero is a character, usually the protagonist, who is destined to fail – something will happen that will lead to his or her downfall at the end of the play.

How does Aristotle define a tragic hero?

The present study investigates the tragic hero, defined in Aristotle’s Poetics as “an intermediate kind of personage, not pre-eminently virtuous and just” whose misfortune is attributed, not to vice or depravity, but an error of judgment . The hero is fittingly described as good in spite of an infirmity of character.

Who has a tragic flaw?

A tragic flaw is a literary term that refers to a personality trait of a main character that leads to his or her downfall . In other words, a character with a tragic flaw is in need of some kind of attitude adjustment.

What is the fundamental tragic trait?

The “tragic trait” Bradley defines as “a marked one-sidedness, a predisposition in some particular direction” (26). So far, so good. ... It is crucial too that Bradley points out that this tragic trait “is also his greatness,” for that recognition is critical to understanding tragic character in Renaissance plays.

How do you use tragic flaw in a sentence?

The concept of a tragic flaw, after all, is strangely comforting, even absolving. My tragic flaw is that I’m not clever enough to figure out if I’m being made fun of or not . There is a tragic flaw in our precious Constitution, and I don’t know what can be done to fix it.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.