Elizabethan

Tragedy
 Table of
Content
introduction Origins Characteristics

Notable
The Five-Act The Role of
Elizabethan
Structure Women
Tragedies

The Influence of Influence of

Greek and Roman Elizabethan
Tragedies Tragedies
 Introduction
Elizabethan Tragedy refers to dramatic works produced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603),
a period often regarded as the golden age of English literature.
 Origins
The origins of Elizabethan Tragedy can be traced back to religious ceremonies where biblical stories were
dramatized. Over time, these performances grew in popularity and moved from the church to the public
square. The violent play, 'Gorboduc', by Thomas Sackville and Thomas Norton, which was first acted in
1561, is now known as the first formal tragedy in English.
 Characteristics of Elizabethan Tragedy
1.Tragic Hero
The central figure in an Elizabethan tragedy is the
tragic hero. This character typically possesses a fatal
flaw (often referred to as "hamartia") or commits a
tragic mistake that ultimately leads to their downfall.
The audience empathizes with their struggles and
witnesses their tragic journey.
2. Conflict
Elizabethan tragedies thrive on conflict. Whether it's
a feud between families (as seen in Shakespeare's
"Romeo and Juliet") or political strife (as in
"Hamlet"), these conflicts drive the plot forward.
The clash of opposing forces creates tension and
drama.
 Characteristics of Elizabethan Tragedy
3. Fate and Destiny
Themes of fate, destiny, and predestination permeate
Elizabethan tragedies. Characters often find
themselves struggling against their predetermined
fates, leading to a sense of inevitability. The idea that
some events are beyond human control adds depth to
the narrative.
4. Supernatural Elements
Ghosts, witches, and other supernatural elements
play a significant role. These mystical beings add an
air of mystery, foreboding, and sometimes even
prophecy. For instance, the ghost of King Hamlet in
"Hamlet" serves as a catalyst for the tragic events.
 Characteristics of Elizabethan Tragedy

5. Complex Plots 6. Moral Ambiguity

Elizabethan tragedies feature intricate plots with
multiple subplots, twists, and turns. The audience
must pay close attention to unravel the layers of
deception, betrayal, and hidden motives. The
complexity keeps viewers engaged and invested.
The moral landscape in these tragedies is often
murky. Characters face ethical dilemmas, and their
decisions have far-reaching consequences. The
audience grapples with questions of right and wrong,
good and evil, and the shades of gray in between.
 Characteristics of Elizabethan Tragedy

7. Catharsis
Tragedies aim to evoke catharsis—a sense of
emotional release and deeper understanding. As
viewers witness characters' suffering and witness
their downfall, they experience a mix of pity and
fear. This emotional journey allows for reflection
and growth.
8. Language
The language of Elizabethan tragedies is elevated
and poetic. Playwrights like William
Shakespeareemployed blank verse (unrhymed
iambic pentameter) to enrich the dramatic impact.
The eloquence of the dialogue heightens the
emotional intensity.
The Five-Act Structure
Most Elizabethan tragedies follow a five-act
structure, which was first proposed by Horace and
later developed by Italian scholars in the 16th
century. This structure typically includes
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action,
and denouement.
The Role of Women in Elizabethan
Tragedies
1. Complex Characters
Women in these plays are not one-dimensional.
They are complex characters with their own
motivations, desires, and flaws. For example,
Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth" is a driving force
behind her husband's actions, and her ambition
and guilt are central to the plot.
The Role of Women in Elizabethan
Tragedies
2 . Vi c t i m s a n d P e r p e t r a t o r s
Women can be both victims and perpetrators in
these tragedies. Desdemona in "Othello" is a
victim of jealousy and manipulation, while
Lady Macbeth is a perpetrator who pushes her
husband towards murder.
The Role of Women in Elizabethan
Tragedies
3. Symbolism
Female characters often symbolize larger
themes or ideas. For instance, Ophelia's
madness in "Hamlet" symbolizes the corruption
of the Danish court.
The Role of Women in Elizabethan
Tragedies
4. Challenging Social Norms
Some female characters challenge the social
norms of their time. For example, Juliet in
"Romeo and Juliet" defies her family's
expectations by choosing to marry for love.
 N o t a b l e E l i z a b e t h a n
T r a g e d i e s
a. "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
- Prince Hamlet's quest for revenge after his father's murder.
- Themes: Madness, existential questions, betrayal, and the nature of
reality.
b. "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare
- Macbeth's ruthless ambition drives him to murder and tyranny.
- Themes: Ambition, guilt, supernatural elements (the witches), and the
corrupting influence of power.
 N o t a b l e E l i z a b e t h a n
T r a g e d i e s
c. "Othello" by William Shakespeare
- Othello, a Moorish general, falls victim to jealousy and manipulation.
- Themes: Racism, love, betrayal, and the destructive power of suspicion.
d. "Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe
- Dr. Faustus's tragic pact with the devil in exchange for knowledge and power.
- Themes: Ambition, forbidden knowledge, and the consequences of selling
one's soul.
e. "Tamburlaine" by Christopher Marlowe
- This play tells the story of the rise to power of the great Central Asian emperor,
Timur (also known as Tamburlaine).
The Influence of Greek and Roman
Tragedies

Elizabethan tragedies were heavily

influenced by Greek and Roman
tragedies. They borrowed elements such
as the tragic hero, the use of chorus, and
the concept of hamartia (tragic flaw).
 Influence of Elizabethan Tragedies

Elizabethan tragedies have had a profound influence

on literature and drama. The themes, characters, and
plot structures have been borrowed and adapted in
various forms of literature and drama across the
world. The psychological depth of characters,
exploration of human nature, and the dramatic
representation of life and death have made these
tragedies timeless.