The document provides an overview of tragedy and comedy as literary genres, including key elements and definitions. It discusses Aristotle's concept of tragedy, tragic heroes and their flaws, and how tragedies aim to elicit pity or fear in audiences. It then defines comedy and contrasts high and low forms. The document analyzes Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus as a tragedy, noting how the titular character's hubris leads to his disastrous downfall. It prompts the reader to discuss if Faustus elicits pity or fear and why.

1. Freytag ’s Pyramid for “Ryan”

3. T R A G E D Y (1133-35) One of oldest literary genres Tragedy vs. tragedy Hamartia , or tragic flaw (Aristotle) “ Great souls suffering greatly” (1556) Tragic hero experiences reversal of fortune Arouses pity or fear in spectators (Aristotle) Tragic (elevated) style / language “ A play that portrays a serious conflict between human beings and some superior, overwhelming force. It ends sorrowfully and disastrously, and this outcome seems inevitable” (1133).

4. Christopher Marlowe ’s Doctor Faustus (about year 1588) Act II, Scene I

5. In Journal (p.66), respond to following prompt: Tragic heroes often effect feelings of pity or fear in readers / spectators. Does Dr. Faustus prompt either of these feelings in you? If so, why? If not, why not? Are there other feelings his character triggers? Use specifics from the text.

6. Why is this a tragedy? Character in conflict with superior force Disastrous ending Elevated diction Other dramatic elements: Dramatic conventions Symbolic action Allusions Faustus as tragic hero: High standing What is his tragic flaw (or flaws)? Hubris

7. C O M E D Y “ A literary work aimed at amusing an audience. In traditional comedy, the protagonist often faces obstacles and complications that threaten disaster but are overturned at the last moment to produce a happy ending ” (1155).

8. High vs. Low Comedy (1142-43) High Comedy Wit and wordplay Evokes “thoughtful laughter ” (1155) Depicts human folly, pretense, and hypocrisy Low Comedy Physical action (clowning, roughhousing), visual gags, course humor and jokes -- anything to get a laugh i.e. drunkenness, appearance, clumsiness, trickery, lust Like high comedy, satirizes human failings Popular culture

9. Protagonists are lovers. After comical misadventures, the two end up together. ROMANTIC COMEDY

10. Ives’ “Soap Opera” (1143-53) GROUP WORK: In groups of 2-3, discuss questions 3, 4, 6, and 7 on pg. 1153. Be ready to report on findings.