Etymology
Meaning
In literary theory, hamartia refers to a tragic flaw, error, or mistake committed by a protagonist in a tragedy. This flaw or mistake leads to their downfall and ultimately brings about the tragic outcome of the play.
Origin
The concept of hamartia was first introduced in ancient Greek drama by Aristotle in his work "Poetics." He identified hamartia as one of the six essential elements of tragedy, along with plot, character, thought, diction, and music.
Aristotle believed that hamartia was essential in creating a sense of pity and fear in the audience, as they witnessed the protagonist's downfall due to their own flaws or mistakes. He argued that the protagonist should not be wholly evil or virtuous but rather a complex character with both good and bad qualities.
The concept of hamartia has been adapted and interpreted in various ways throughout literary history. In modern literature, hamartia often refers to the protagonist's fatal flaw or weakness that leads to their tragic end. It can also be seen as a symbol of the human condition and the inevitability of suffering.
Etymology Hamartiology comes from the Greek words Hamartia sin error misstep
Etymology Greek ἁμαρτία hamartía meaning error wrongdoing or sin
Etymology The word tragic originates from the ancient Greek word τραγικός tr
Etymology The word flaw is derived from the Old French word flawe which in turn come
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Etymology Middle English fredom from Old English frēodōm n state of being free
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Etymology Old English weoruld Proto Germanic weralz Proto Indo European wer to t
Etymology Latin patiens Present participle of the verb pati meaning to suffer en
Etymology Latin coordinare meaning to arrange to order to put in order From the pr
Etymology Latin mercurialis from Greek hermaion from Greek Hermes the Greek
