TRAGEDY

A play in which human actions have unavoidable consequences, in which a character’s bad deeds, behavior, mistakes, or crimes are never forgiven or corrected.

Remember: Unhappy Ending

WHAT IS A TRAGIC HERO?

A character of high rank and social status (always the protagonist) who faces the consequences of bad decisions, mistakes, or crimes.

The fact that the hero is of high social importance amplifies the intensity of the consequences he must endure.

WHAT IS THEME?

EXPLANATION EXAMPLES

Theme is the message that the author wants to convey about the topic.

This message is usually about life, society, or human nature.

It is usually implied (hinted at) rather than stated (said).

Pride can kill you. Something that is too

good to be true usually is.

Parents just don’t understand.

Family is more important than friends.

You can’t always get what you want.

THEME IN SHAKESPEARE

What does the speaker think of his girlfriend’s looks?

Love is the topic of this poem. What message is Shakespeare trying to send (universal theme) about love?

Guess before you move on.

Sonnet 130

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;Coral is far more red than her lips' red;If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,But no such roses see I in her cheeks; And in some perfumes is there more delightThan in the breath that from my mistress reeks.I love to hear her speak, yet well I knowThat music hath a far more pleasing sound;I grant I never saw a goddess go;My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:

And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rareAs any she belied with false compare.

THEME IN SHAKESPEARE

Love is the topic of this poem. What message is Shakespeare trying to send (universal theme) about love?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Or

“When you truly love someone, appearance does not matter.”

Or

“Real beauty and real love are the same thing.”

Sonnet 130

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;Coral is far more red than her lips' red;If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,But no such roses see I in her cheeks; And in some perfumes is there more delightThan in the breath that from my mistress reeks.I love to hear her speak, yet well I knowThat music hath a far more pleasing sound;I grant I never saw a goddess go;My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:

And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rareAs any she belied with false compare.