Overview of the Tragic Genre
Literature in English: Cambridge International GCSE A Streetcar Named Desire, topic 1.3.1
Tragic Conventions
A Streetcar Named Desire is an example of a modern dramatic tragedy. Here are some conventions from Classical tragedy:
High-class characters
- In the past (particularly in the Greek and Roman Classical period, and in the Age of Shakespeare), tragedies often present the fall of high-status characters: for example, Kings, Emperors, Princes or Generals.
Status
- The idea was that with a high-status character, they have so much further to fall than a lower status character.
- In effect, they have more to lose, whether it is their reputation, a love, respect, command or power.
Tragic flaw
- The general idea is that one or more of the characters have a tragic flaw (something in their make up or character) that is problematical.
- Usually, another character (often a tragic villain) tries to find weakness or the main character’s flaw, and aims to exploit that.
Spiral of tragedy
- Once that tragic flaw has been identified, then very often the main character steps into a spiral of tragedy which they find it difficult to escape from.
- They tend to blame everyone else but themselves.
Tragedy
In most tragedies, chaos results because the main character makes a set of poor decisions.
Chaos
- Chaos results because the main character makes a set of poor decisions.
- These decisions not only impact upon the character themselves but also wider society and other characters around them.
- The chaos reaches its climax when something happens which is impossible to change.
Remorse
- Only then does the main character reflect on what they have done, and they gain insight into their experiences.
- They are usually filled with remorse and are either killed by a heroic figure or kill themselves because they can no longer face what they have become.
Society
- Once this character has been dispatched or removes themselves from events, only then can the wider society rebuild itself.
Test yourself on Overview of the Tragic Genre
Which character would have been most likely to experience a tragic fall in a Shakespearean or Classical Tragedy?
The Unfolding of Chaos in Tragic Plays
How do tragic characters usually die?