Y is does The tragedy of Julius Caesar fit the the definition of tragedy
What is the definition of tragedy?
"The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare is considered a tragedy because it encompasses several key elements of the genre. To understand why it fits the definition of a tragedy, we should examine some of these elements:
1. Tragic Hero: The play focuses on the character of Julius Caesar himself, who is the tragic hero. He holds a position of power and influence, as a renowned military and political leader. However, his fatal flaw is his ambition, which eventually leads to his downfall.
2. Hamartia: Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that causes the downfall of the tragic hero. In Julius Caesar, his arrogance and pride contribute to his ambition and ultimately lead him to ignore the warnings of the conspirators, leading to his assassination.
3. Fate and the Role of the Supernatural: The play incorporates elements of fate and the supernatural. Caesar is warned by a soothsayer to "Beware the Ides of March," and his wife, Calpurnia, has a dream of his assassination. These warnings suggest an inevitable fate that cannot be avoided.
4. Conflict and Betrayal: A core aspect of tragedy is the presence of internal and external conflicts. Brutus, one of Caesar's close allies, becomes torn between his loyalty to his friend and his belief in defending the Roman Republic. This internal conflict leads to his participation in the conspiracy against Caesar, ultimately resulting in betrayal.
5. Downfall and Catharsis: The play culminates in the tragic downfall of Caesar, followed by the consequences faced by the conspirators and the chaos that ensues in Rome. This downfall and the subsequent emotional response of the audience, characterized by feelings of pity and fear, provide catharsis, a key element of tragedy.
In summary, "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" fits the definition of a tragedy due to its exploration of a tragic hero, the presence of a tragic flaw, the role of fate and the supernatural, conflicts and betrayals, and the ultimate downfall that leads to catharsis.