Elements of Tragedy
Identify and explain each element of tragedy in Julius Caesar:
Anagnorisis: recognition
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
Things done, undone: but, if he be at hand,
I shall be satisfied.
Brutus knew what would happen after killing Caesar, but he still does it. Later, he realizes he has done something wrong and wishes he didn�t kill Caesar.
Peripitea: reversal of fortune (high to low)
Caesar, now be still:
I kill'd not thee with half so good a will.
(Brutus dies)
Brutus�s reversal of fortune begins when he has many wars to fight, and ends when he dies.
Hamartia: error in judgment/ tragic flaw (What puts Brutus in this situation?)
As to annoy us all: which to prevent,
Let Antony and Caesar fall together.
- Cassius
Brutus is put in this situation because he trusts people too much, and he also trusts in the wrong people. He killed Caesar because he trusts Cassius, but Cassius is not the type of person to be trusted. He is too gullible and na�ve. Also, he made an error by letting Antony live and Caesar die, and allowing Antony to speak at the forum.
Catharsis: effect on audience- purgation of pity and fear (Put yourself in Brutus�s shoes.)
Yet I fear him;
For in the ingrafted love he bears to Caesar--
- Cassius
Brutus falls because he is too gullible and trusting. We are not like him because we do not trust in everyone. Although, we are not as good as he was because he was very honorable.