In classical tragedies, what causes the destruction of the hero?
a. The actions of the villain
b. The hero's nobility
c. The hero's personal defect in an area***
d. The love interest
Yes.
c. The hero's personal defect in an area
The correct answer is c) The hero's personal defect in an area. In classical tragedies, the destruction or downfall of the hero is often caused by their own personal flaw or tragic character trait. This flaw is known as "hamartia" in Greek tragedies. It can be a moral weakness, hubris (excessive pride or arrogance), or any other significant character flaw that leads the hero to make crucial mistakes or poor decisions. Ultimately, this flaw becomes their downfall and leads to their destruction.
To find this answer, one can study the characteristics and themes of classical tragedies, explore the concept of hamartia and its role in tragic heroes, and analyze specific examples from classic plays such as Oedipus Rex by Sophocles or Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Reading literary criticism and analyzing the motivations and actions of tragic heroes will provide further insights into their personal defects and how it leads to their downfall.