Question

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Shakespearean tragedy?

A lack of structure and formal language
An outside force that interferes with a character's happiness
A hero that has no flaws or errors in judgment
An ending that symbolizes happily ever after

Answer 1

A Shakespearean tragedy involves an outside force that interferes with a character's happiness and does not have a happy ending. It follows a structured format with five acts and a specific pattern of rising action, climax, and resolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

A characteristic of a Shakespearean tragedy is an outside force that interferes with a character's happiness. In these tragedies, there is often a tragic flaw or fatal decision made by the main character, which sets off a chain of events ultimately leading to their downfall. This outside force could be in the form of supernatural elements, like witches in Macbeth, or external circumstances like a family feud in Romeo and Juliet.

Furthermore, a Shakespearean tragedy typically does not have an ending that symbolizes 'happily ever after.' Instead, it usually ends with the death or downfall of the main character and often includes a sense of catharsis for the audience. The tragedies adhere to a structured format, with five acts and a specific pattern of rising action, climax, and resolution.

Learn more about Shakespearean tragedies