Difference between Classical Tragedy and Modern Tragedy

The main difference between classical tragedy and modern tragedy is that classical tragedy has a unified plot with a noble or royal protagonist and modern tragedy features ordinary people with real problems.

Classic tragedy versus modern tragedy

Classical tragedy mainly has a main or central character. Modern tragedy can have more than one central character. In classical tragedy, the protagonist is typically from a wealthy, noble, or royal family. In modern tragedy, the protagonist usually has an ordinary middle-class background. The protagonist of a classic tragedy usually has a noble and heroic character but has a tragic flaw. The protagonist of modern tragedy can have a white, black or gray character. The classical tragedy has a unified plot. The modern tragedy can have more than one or several plots. Classical tragedies usually have one and a period. Modern tragedies have more than one and realistic periods; there are breaks and flashbacks. The story of classical tragedy is about the nobility or royalty of the hero, his ambitions, attempts to unify or save a kingdom, etc. The story of a modern tragedy is about ordinary people and their ambitions, problems and aspirations; thus, make the stories more realistic. The important elements of classical tragedy are fate and divine power. The basic elements of modern tragedy are realistic and common problems. In the classic tragedy, the protagonist faces the ruin of him due to his tragic failure. In modern tragedy, the traditional tragic flaw remains intact. Classical tragedy is full of violence and death on stage. Modern tragedy lacks violence, especially death. Offstage, death is the popular trend in modern tragedy. The classical tragedy contains a large number of characters. Characters other than the lead show less impact on the drama. Modern tragedies contain very few characters and most of them have a lot of impact on the drama.

Comparison chart

What is classical tragedy?

Classical tragedy is a famous form of drama that originates from the Greek literary tradition. He defines a tragic plot as one in which a noble or royal character loses, through his pride and reward. These brave, royal, and noble heroes often face a reversal of fortune. This reversal is typically due to the influence of divine power or tragic character flaw. Fate also plays a leading role in classical tragedies. Classical tragedy preserves the units, a single span, a setting, a story as it originated in the Greek theater. The chronology and locations of classical tragedies are very broad, and the basic concept is revenge, that is, Hamlet. The protagonist is of elite class or higher status in classical tragedy. Tragic flaw, bloodshed, disaster and death are the common elements in classical tragedy, and the incidents of a tragedy rotate with the protagonist. Classical tragedy is full of violence and death on stage, for example, Macbeth. Some elements of classical tragedy are; Hamartia (a mistake made by a morally good person that is committed in ignorance), Hubris (the false pride that leads to ruin), Peripeteia (the change of luck) and Catharsis (emotional release at the end of the tragedy).

examples

• King Oedipus
• Romeo and Juliet
• Hamlet, Medea
• Antigone
• Prometheus bound

What is modern tragedy?

Modern tragedy refers to tragedies that were written and performed since the 20th century. This tragedy redefines the genre with ordinary protagonists, multiple plots and timelines, and realistic settings. The characters of modern tragedy are mainly middle class. Time is very limited and cutlery is much smaller in modern tragedy. Modern tragedy usually focuses on ordinary people and their problem makes it more realistic. Conflict in modern tragedy is primarily caused by flaws in characters, society, or the law. Fate and divine power play little or no part in modern tragedy. The period is several weeks, months or years. Time differences in modern tragedy are managed through elements such as pauses, flashbacks, flash-forwards and narratives. The protagonist of modern tragedy can have a white, black or gray character. Modern tragedy can have more than one or multiple plots, many and more than one characters, and realistic periods. The story of a modern tragedy is typically about ordinary people and their ambitions, problems, and aspirations. The works of modern tragedy also contain elements such as irony and sarcasm to highlight the flaws of the characters.

examples

• Death of a seller
• A view from the bridge
• The misfits
• Glengarry Glen Ross

Key differences

1. Classical tragedy has a unified plot with a single span while modern tragedy has more than one or multiple plots with many periods and flashbacks.
2. In classical tragedy the protagonist is typically from a wealthy, noble or royal family, on the other hand in modern tragedy; the protagonist usually has a common middle-class background.
3. Classical tragedy has mainly one main or central character, conversely modern tragedy can have more than one central character.
4. Classical tragedy usually contains elements such as arrogance, hamartia, vicissitudes and catharsis, while modern tragedy uses elements such as irony and sarcasm.
5. The important elements of classical tragedy are fate and divine power on the other hand; the basic elements of modern tragedy are realistic and common problems.

Final Thought

Both classical and modern tragedies have a tragic ending with several differences between them. But the importance of classical tragedy and modern tragedy remains in place.