The Tragic Hero: From Aristotle’s Theory to Timeless Examples

A tragic hero is the central figure in a tragedy who, despite noble qualities, is brought down by a fatal flaw or error in judgment. Rooted in Aristotle’s Poetics, the concept highlights how the hero’s downfall inspires pity and fear, leading to catharsis in the audience. This presentation explores the definition, Aristotle’s influence, and classic examples such as Oedipus, Hamlet, and Romeo, showcasing the enduring power of the tragic hero in literature.

1. Gatsby as a Tra gic Hero Presented by Jyoti Mer Smt. S. B. Gardi Department of English Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.

2. Personal information: Name: Mer Jyoti Ranchhodbhai Roll No : 07 M.A. Sem: 2 E- mail : [email protected] Submitted to smt. S.B. Gardi , Department of English, Bhavnagar. Pepar no : 106-The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II 

3. Table of Contents: 1.Introduction 2.Gatsby’s Noble Qualities 3.Gatsby’s Tragic Flaw (Hamartia) 4. Reversal of Fortune (Peripeteia) 5. Recognition of the Flaw (Anagnorisis) 6 . “ The Fall of the Dreamers: Tragic Heroism in King Lear and Jay Gatsby": 7. Gatsby's Death and Catharsis 8.conclusion - Is Gatsby a Tragic Hero?

4. Research Question: How does Jay Gatsby embody the characteristics of a tragic hero in The Great Gatsby, and what does his downfall reveal about the American Dream? Hypothesis: Jay Gatsby exemplifies the traits of a tragic hero through his idealism, tragic flaw (hamartia), and inevitable downfall, which ultimately critiques the unattainability of the American Dream. His relentless pursuit of an idealized past and blind faith in wealth as a means to happiness lead to his demise, illustrating the illusion and destructiveness of the American Dream in modern society.

5. Introduction to Tragic Hero : Definition : A tragic hero is typically the protagonist of a tragedy who possesses noble or heroic qualities but is ultimately brought down by a fatal flaw or error in judgment. Their downfall often evokes feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a sense of catharsis. Aristotle's influence : The philosopher Aristotle played a crucial role in defining the tragic hero in his work "Poetics." He emphasized the importance of the hero's flaw and the resulting tragic consequences. Examples: Oedipus (in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex") Hamlet (in Shakespeare's "Hamlet") Romeo(in Shakespeares "Romeo and Juliet")

6. Continue… Aristotle's Key Elements of a Tragic Hero Hamartia: This is the hero's error or flaw that leads to their downfall. It's not necessarily a moral failing, but rather a mistake in judgment or a character weakness. Peripeteia : Often, this flaw is hubris, or excessive pride. This is a sudden shift in the hero's circumstances, a change from good fortune to bad. It's often a direct result of the hero's hamartia. Anagnorisis: This is the moment when the hero gains crucial awareness or understanding of their situation. Often, this recognition comes too late to prevent the tragic outcome. Noble Structure : Aristotle believed that a tragic hero should be a person of high standing, such as a king or a noble. This heightens the impact of their fall. Evoking Pity and fear : The hero's plight should Aristotle's analysis of the tragic hero, primarily outlined in his "Poetics," emphasizes several key elements. Here's a breakdown:

7. Gatsby's Noble Qualities : Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," possesses a complex blend of qualities, some of which can be considered noble. Romantic Idealism: Gatsby's unwavering devotion to Daisy Buchanan, and his persistent belief that he can recreate the past, reveals a deep romantic idealism. He embodies the idea of pursuing a dream, even against impossible odds. Self - made Success : He rises from humble beginnings to achieve great wealth, demonstrating ambition and determination. While his methods are questionable, his self-made success is a testament to his drive. Loyalty and Determination: Gatsby displays a strong sense of loyalty to his dream of being with Daisy. His dedication to this goal, however misguided, shows a powerful sense of purpose. Generosity : He throws lavish parties, not for his own enjoyment, but in the hope of attracting Daisy's attention. This, in a way, shows a form of generosity, albeit one that is used as a tool. Hope : Gatsby embodies the american dream, and the hope that with enough hard work, any goal is attainable.

8. Gatsby's Tragic Flaw : ( Hamartia) : Obsessive Idealization of the Past : Gatsby's fundamental flaw is his unwavering belief that he can perfectly recreate the past. He's fixated on the idea of recapturing his lost love with Daisy exactly as it was five years prior. This delusion blinds him to the reality that time has moved on, and Daisy, along with her circumstances, has changed. Naive Romanticism: His romantic vision of Daisy is so idealized that it bears little resemblance to the real person. He attributes qualities to her that she doesn't possess, and he ignores her flaws. This naivety causes him to not see the reality of his situation . His inability to Accept Reality: Gatsby's dream, while driving him to great lengths, also causes him to not be able to accept the present. This flaw leads to his ultimate.

9. Reversal of fortune: (Peripeteia) : Core Meaning: It's a sudden and significant change in a character's situation. This shift is often unexpected and carries severe consequences. In tragic literature, this reversal is typically from a state of prosperity or happiness to one of adversity or suffering. Aristotle's Perspective: In his "Poetics," Aristotle emphasized the importance of peripeteia in creating a compelling tragedy. He saw it as a crucial element in evoking pity and fear in the audience. He also highlighted the connection between the reversal of fortune and the character's "hamartia" (tragic flaw). Often the flaw is the direct cause of the reversal. Examples: In "Oedipus Rex," Oedipus's rise to power and respect is reversed when he discovers his true identity and the horrific crimes he has committed. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby's belief that he is about to obtain his dream of a life with Daisy, is reversed by the confrontation with her husband Tom, and then Gatsby's subsequent murder. In essence, the reversal of fortune is a powerful dramatic device that underscores the fragility of human existence and the consequences of our actions.

10. Recognition of the Flaw: ( Anagnorisis): Definition: * Anagnorisis refers to the point in the plot where the protagonist recognizes their true nature, the nature of their situation, or the nature of others. It's a moment of critical discovery. Often, this recognition comes too late to avert the tragic consequences. Importance in Tragedy : It's a key element in the emotional impact of tragedy. The hero's realization of their mistakes or flaws heightens the sense of pity and fear in the audience. It underscores the theme of human fallibility and the consequences of ignorance or flawed judgment. Connection to Hamartia : Anagnorisis is closely linked to "hamartia" (the tragic flaw). Anagnorisis is the moment of truth, where the hero's ignorance is replaced by knowledge, often with devastating results. Therefore, the recognition of the flaw is a critical piece of the tragic hero's journey, as it brings the full weight of their actions into stark relief. The moment of recognition often involves the hero understanding how their flaw has led to their downfall .

11. “ The Fall of the Dreamers: Tragic Heroism in King Lear and Jay Gatsby": Tragic Hero Characteristics: Aristotelian Definition : A tragic hero is typically of noble birth or high standing. They possess a tragic flaw (hamartia) that leads to their downfall. They experience a reversal of fortune (peripeteia). They often achieve a moment of recognition or insight (anagnorisis) before their demise. They evoke pity and fear in the audience. King Lear: Lear, a king, embodies the noble stature. His tragic flaw is his pride and his inability to accurately judge character. His decision to divide his kingdom based on flattery leads to his downfall. He suffers immense emotional and physical hardship. Lear does gain a level of self awareness before his death. *

12. Jay Gatsby : Gatsby, though not of noble birth, achieves a level of societal prominence. His tragic flaw is his obsessive idealism and his belief that he can recreate the past. His pursuit of Daisy and his illusion of the American Dream lead to his destruction. His end comes from the results of mistaken identity, and the fall out of the people he surrounded himself with. He is portrayed to have a form of nobility, in his loyalty to his dream. Common Themes : The Illusion of Dreams: Both characters chase illusions that ultimately crumble. The Corrupting Influence of Power and Wealth: Lear's power and Gatsby's wealth contribute to their tragic flaws. The Nature of Reality vs. Illusion: Both characters struggle to distinguish between their idealized visions and the harsh realities of their situations. The Consequences of Flawed Judgment: Both characters make critical errors in judgment that lead to their ruin.

13. Gatsby's death and catharsis : The Fall of the Idealist : * Gatsby's death represents the shattering of his idealized dream. His relentless pursuit of the past and his illusion of Daisy's perfection ultimately lead to his destruction. This tragic end underscores the futility of clinging to unattainable illusions. * The Exposure of Societal Decay : * Gatsby's demise also exposes the moral decay of the wealthy elite. The indifference and callousness of characters like Tom and Daisy, who bear indirect responsibility for his death, highlight the emptiness and corruption of their world.

14. C onclusion : Conclusion – Is Gatsby a Tragic Hero? Jay Gatsby fits the mold of a tragic hero, but with a modern twist. While he lacks traditional nobility, his relentless pursuit of the American Dream and his idealized love for Daisy elevate him to a heroic status. His tragic flaw—his inability to let go of the past—leads to his downfall, making his story both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Gatsby’s tragedy reflects the illusion of success and the dangers of blind ambition. Unlike classic tragic heroes who recognize their mistakes, Gatsby dies still believing in his dream, making his fate even more tragic.

15. References: Eble, Kenneth. “The Great Gatsby.” College Literature, vol. 1, no. 1, 1974, pp. 34–47. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25111007 . Accessed 28 Mar. 2025. Martinez, Julia. "The Great Gatsby". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Great-Gatsby . Accessed 28 March 2025. Jayne, Sears. “Charity in King Lear.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 15, no. 2, 1964, pp. 277–88. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2867900 . Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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