A Tragic Protagonist KING LEAR

     

                           

Introduction:

WHAT IS HAMARTIA?

First, let’s define hamartia

Strong protagonists have clear intentions and face threatening obstacles. But a critical component to an interesting protagonist is the flaw they must confront in order to achieve their goal.

When a character is unable to overcome their flaw, that is where the term hamartia comes into play. So let’s find out: what is hamartia?

HAMARTIA DEFINITION

What is Hamartia?

Hamartia is a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero. Hamartia derives from the Greek term meaning “to miss the mark” or “to err.” First used by Aristotle in Poetics, hamartia, commonly referred to as the tragic flaw, often sets off a chain of events which culminates in a reversal from fortune or good standing to disaster or catastrophe. 

Hamartia Pronunciation: huh-MAR-tee-uh

Hamartia examples: 

• Ruben in Sound of Metal
• Maggie in Million Dollar Baby
• Jackson Maine in A Star is Born

#  Discover the roots of hamartia

Hamartia comes from the Greek word hamartanein, meaning “to err.” It denotes an inherent defect within the character themselves, rather than one that the tragic hero has come upon while on their journey.

Aristotle first coined the term in Poetics when he described a character who was not defeated by an opposing or malicious force, but by their own error in judgment. Often this downfall is catastrophic for the hero and their society.

Aristotle’s portrayal of hamartia sets the bar for tragic characters in that the flaw is often excessive and blatant. Think of the classic literary term hubris; disproportionate pride topples the tragic hero’s life around them. Regardless of the moral being abused, we can define hamartia similarly: as a hero acts on their flawed judgment, their potential for success snowballs into destruction.

#  Shakespearean Tragedies

Shakespeare is well known for his tragedies. They have been subjects to many analysis and studies, since there is always something that can be discussed about. In this blog, I am going to deal with a specific element of tragedies, an element that makes Shakespeare’s tragedies so great, and it is hamartia. In fact, we see that Shakespeare follows the structure of Aristotelian theory of tragedies, so we can find all elements of Greek tragedies, like hamartia, anagnorisis, peripeteia, catharsis, etc. in his tragedies.

 My blog covers an overview of hamartia of major characters in greatest Shakespeare’s tragedies, like King Lear, Macbeth, Othello, Richard III, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. First, there is an explanation of what hamartia in fact is, and then, an analysis of the characters of the tragic heroes. Here we can stress the faults that lead them to their downfall and eventually to their destruction. We see that King Lear is destroyed by his excessive pride, Hamlet by his desire to revenge, his dilemma and inaction, Macbeth by his ambition, Othello by his jealousy, Richard by his ambition, desire to prove a villain , etc., and all this affects other people in their surrounding, what makes the tragedy even greater. 

Even though each of the heroes represents a specific character, we can see that they are all victims of their own mistakes and faults, so they all share the same tragic fate. However, their downfall makes them realize their wrongdoings, where the element of anagnorisis is present, but it is too late for them, they have destroyed their own life, and also affected the lives of people around them, people they love and care about, bringing many deaths, a lot of violence and pain. Then, I will compare the flaws of each major character or hero, so that we can see if they have anything in common, and how similar they are. So, we can see how hamartia rules and affects the lives of these great people, how their great personalities are destroyed and end tragically. On the other side, the mastery of Shakespeare in portraying and building characters is very evident, since these characters are unique, and considered an element that gave Shakespeare the epithet of the greatest playwright. I know that my paper is just a drop in the ocean, since Shakespeare’s studies are never-ending, and there is a lot to be said in the future too, but I hope it will be a modest contribution for further studies.

King Lear is the tragic hero as his foolish decision leads himself and many others to their ruin and deaths. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, first articulated the specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero. For the storyboard above, students can use a template to storyboard the qualities that make King Lear a tragic hero. The finished product outlines each of Aristotle's principles with a detailed explanation of the specific attributes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s “King Lear” is a complex and deeply affecting play that explores timeless themes and universal human experiences. Through its vivid characters, rich language, and powerful symbolism, the play delves into the complexities of family relationships, power dynamics, justice and injustice, madness and reason, appearance versus reality, and much more.

Despite some initial challenges with audience reception, “King Lear” has gone on to become one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated and enduring works, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations over the centuries. Its continuing relevance and resonance in contemporary society attest to the enduring power and lasting impact of Shakespeare’s artistry and insight.

                   Thank You

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