The word "tragedy" derives from the Greek word, "tragōidia". In literature, tragedy is a dramatic work in which the main character suffers from extreme loss or sorrow. In life, a tragedy is an event causing distress or destruction, like a serious accident or crime. There are also different types of tragedy, one of which is revenge tragedy, also known as revenge play, which was first introduced as a term in the year of 1900. Revenge tragedy is a drama where the protagonist seeks retaliation for an imagined or actual injury.
Tragedy in literature is significant in that it helps the reader connect to the work on an emotional level. It can be described as "... a form of drama based on human suffering that invokes an accompanying catharsis or pleasure in audiences" (Tragedy, Wikipedia). Catharsis is like emotional release. It helps purify and relieve pent up anxiety and tension. Not only does tragedy help the reader connect to the text, but it also allows them to let go of stress and feel pleasure.
Just like humans, tragedy comes in all shapes and sizes. In literature, tragedy is a dramatized version of a story of human suffering. Tragedy also happens in day to day life but on varied levels. Whether it be the loss of someone significant, to either death or departure, or simply because something doesn't go one's way, tragedy exists.
Tragedy in literature is significant in that it helps the reader connect to the work on an emotional level. It can be described as "... a form of drama based on human suffering that invokes an accompanying catharsis or pleasure in audiences" (Tragedy, Wikipedia). Catharsis is like emotional release. It helps purify and relieve pent up anxiety and tension. Not only does tragedy help the reader connect to the text, but it also allows them to let go of stress and feel pleasure.
Just like humans, tragedy comes in all shapes and sizes. In literature, tragedy is a dramatized version of a story of human suffering. Tragedy also happens in day to day life but on varied levels. Whether it be the loss of someone significant, to either death or departure, or simply because something doesn't go one's way, tragedy exists.