Difference Between Classical and

Modern Tragedy

Main Difference – Classical vs Modern

Tragedy
A tragedy can be defined simply as a play that has a sad and depressing ending.
Although both classical and modern tragedies have a tragic ending, there are several
differences between them. The main difference between classical and modern
tragedy is that classical tragedies have a unified plot with one royal or
noble protagonist whereas modern tragedies feature ordinary people with
realistic problems.
What is a Classical Tragedy
Tragedy is a popular form of drama that originated from Greek literary tradition.
Aristotle defines tragedy as a unified work that covers one time span, story, setting,
and a main protagonist. The plot of the drama consists of one great, complete action.
The protagonist of classical tragedies is typically from a royal or noble family.
Antigone, Oedipus, and Agamemnon are some examples of protagonists in classical
tragedies. These brave and noble heroes often face a reversal of fortune. This
reversal is typically due to a tragic flaw in the character and the influence of a divine
power. Fate also plays a major role in classical tragedies.
Some examples of classical tragedies include Oedipus Rex, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet,
Medea, Antigone and Prometheus Bound.

Given below are some elements of a classical tragedy.

Hamartia – A mistake or a fault that is committed in ignorance; this is usually a

mistake made by a morally good person
Hubris – the false pride that leads to ruin; this is the opposite of rectitude
Peripeteia – the reversal fortune

Catharsis – feeling of emotional release felt at the end of the tragedy

What is a Modern Tragedy
Modern drama refers to tragedies that were written and performed from the
twentieth century. Some examples of modern tragedies include Arthur Miller’s
“Death of a Salesman”, “A View from the Bridge”, “The Misfits” and David Mamet’s
“Glengarry Glen Ross are some examples of modern tragedies.

Unlike classical tragedies, modern tragedies are typically centered around ordinary
people and their problems. Thus, they are more realistic than classical tragedies. The
conflict in modern tragedies are caused by flaws in the characters, society or the law;
fate and divine power do not play a major role in modern tragedies. Modern
tragedies may also have multiple plots and more than one central character. The
action in the story may also span several weeks, months or years – the differences in
time is managed by elements such as flashbacks, pauses, flash-forwards, and
narrations. Modern playwrights also use elements such as irony and sarcasm to
highlight the flaws in characters.

Set of Death of a Salesman

Difference Between Classical and Modern
Tragedy
Characters
Classical Tragedy: Classical tragedies typically have one main character.
Modern Tragedy: Modern tragedies may have more than one central character.

Protagonist
Classical Tragedy: Protagonist is typically from a wealthy, noble or royal family.
Modern Tragedy: Protagonist usually has a common, middle-class background.

Nature of the Protagonist

Classical Tragedy: The protagonist is usually a noble and heroic character, but has
a tragic flaw.
Modern Tragedy: The protagonist may be a white, black or gray character.

Plot
Classical Tragedy: Classical tragedies have one unified plot.
Modern Tragedy: Modern tragedies may have multiple plots.

Timeline
Classical Tragedy: Classical tragedies have one time span.
Modern Tragedy: Modern tragedies have more realistic time spans; there are
breaks and flashbacks.

Story
Classical Tragedy: The story is about nobility or royalty, their ambitions, attempts
to unify or save a kingdom, etc.
Modern Tragedy: The story is about ordinary people and their problems, ambitions
and aspirations; thus, the stories are more realistic.
Elements
Classical Tragedy: Classical tragedies typically contain elements such as hubris,
hamartia, and catharsis.
Modern Tragedy: Modern tragedies use elements like irony and sarcasm.

Fate and Divine power

Classical Tragedy: Fate and divine power are important elements in classical
tragedies.
Modern Tragedy: Fate and divine power rarely play a role in modern tragedies;
they are more concerned with realistic, common problems.