Tragic Flaws Lead to Characters' Downfall
Often in literary works, the main character has a tragic flaw, whether a miniscule or glaring fault, that will usually be the cause of their own downfall or destruction. This proves to be a recurring theme throughout literary history and even in more recent times. Three works that utilize this theme include Beowulf, Shakespeare's Macbeth, and William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Usually, the character's flaw is not directly introduced; it is often revealed through indirect characterization. The main characteristic of a tragic flaw is that it comes between the character and his goals, eventually leading to his downfall, conflict, or ultimately death.
Medieval Period
449-1485
Beowulf
The Medieval Period of literature consists of all literature mostly written throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. Most works were religious or romantic, including The Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and other Arthurian legends. The Anglo-Saxons dominated Britain throughout this time period of war and conquering.
The Medieval Period of literature consists of all literature mostly written throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. Most works were religious or romantic, including The Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and other Arthurian legends. The Anglo-Saxons dominated Britain throughout this time period of war and conquering.
Renaissance Period
1485-1625
Shakespeare's Macbeth
The Renaissance was a period of art, consisting of both worldly and religious works. It was a rebirth of knowledge, resulting in the Age of Exploration, reformation of the church, and the Elizabethan Age. Poetry and narratives dominated Renaissance literature.
The Renaissance was a period of art, consisting of both worldly and religious works. It was a rebirth of knowledge, resulting in the Age of Exploration, reformation of the church, and the Elizabethan Age. Poetry and narratives dominated Renaissance literature.
Modern Period
1901-present
William Golding's Lord of the Flies
The twentieth century begins the modern era with progresses in science and technology. However, World War I and II seem to define this age with its millions of casualties, along with the Edwardian Age and the "lost generation." The Modernism and Postmodernism literary periods are defined by experimentation with new forms of literature.
The twentieth century begins the modern era with progresses in science and technology. However, World War I and II seem to define this age with its millions of casualties, along with the Edwardian Age and the "lost generation." The Modernism and Postmodernism literary periods are defined by experimentation with new forms of literature.