What brings about the downfall of the hero of a tragedy?
(1 point)
a tragic flaw
arrogance
gullibility
The correct answer is a tragic flaw. In a tragedy, the downfall of the hero is often caused by a personal flaw or weakness that leads to their downfall. This flaw is known as a tragic flaw or hamartia, and it can be a character trait such as ambition, pride, jealousy, or a tendency to make impulsive decisions. Arrogance and gullibility can be examples of tragic flaws, but they are not the only possible flaws that can lead to a hero's downfall in a tragedy.
The downfall of the hero of a tragedy can be brought about by a combination of factors, but one common element is the presence of a tragic flaw. This flaw can take many forms, such as arrogance or gullibility. These flaws often lead the hero to make critical mistakes or poor decisions that ultimately result in their own downfall.
The downfall of the hero in a tragedy is usually a result of a combination of factors, but there are three common elements that often contribute to their downfall: a tragic flaw, arrogance, and gullibility. Let's explore each of these factors individually:
1. Tragic flaw: A tragic flaw, also known as a "hamartia," is a character trait or quality that leads the hero to make choices or take actions that eventually lead to their downfall. This flaw can be a moral weakness, a personal failing, or a specific characteristic that creates internal conflict within the hero. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," his ambitious nature and unchecked desire for power is his tragic flaw, which ultimately drives him to commit heinous acts and leads to his downfall.
2. Arrogance: Arrogance, or excessive pride, is another common factor that can contribute to the downfall of a tragic hero. When a hero becomes overly confident in their abilities or believes they are invincible, they often start to disregard warnings or advice from others. This arrogance blinds them to their own shortcomings and makes them vulnerable to making misguided decisions. One famous example is the character of Oedipus in Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," whose arrogance leads him to unknowingly fulfill a prophecy that brings about his own tragic fate.
3. Gullibility: Gullibility, or the tendency to believe things too easily, can also be a downfall for a tragic hero. When a hero is easily swayed by others or falls victim to manipulation or deceit, they are more likely to make decisions that lead to their downfall. An example of this can be seen in the character of King Lear in Shakespeare's play "King Lear," who is deceived by his two scheming daughters and ultimately suffers a tragic fate due to his gullibility.
To fully understand the downfall of the hero in a tragedy, it is important to analyze the circumstances, actions, and motivations of the character, as well as the specific elements of the narrative. This thorough analysis allows us to identify and appreciate the various factors that contribute to their ultimate downfall.