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Aristotle's Definition Of A Tragic Hero Analysis

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When we think of the phrase “A Tragic Hero” a lot of different thoughts and ideas come to mind to what defines this one single phrase. Most of us don't know about the historical complexity behind the the phrase and its “traditional” and modern definition. Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, whose exploration of ideal forms and the nature of reality, lead him to explore many subjects. He was able to come up with 5 characteristics that would define a tragic hero. These are the five characteristic that a tragic hero must have according to Aristotle; Should be of noble birth or more admirable than ordinary man, having a trait of wisdom. Our hero must also, have a tragic or fatal flaw. He must go through a reversal …show more content…
He goes through many events that show us he is in fact a tragic hero. I believe Maximus is a tragic Hero as he sufficed all the 5 characteristics Aristotle came up with, while also being compatible with the modern definition. Yet, I don't believe a character has to have all five characteristic Aristotle made, but instead satisfied the modern definition. Throughout his journey of “The general who became a slave. The slave who became gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor,” we see all the characteristics present. Knowing he was a General is just the beginning to the respect Maximus received throughout the film. When the original emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius confessed his love and respect for him, and offered the throne to him. We are able to see the fatal flaw which starts the chain reaction of events in this tragic story. Maximus declined the role of leadership for Rome, believing he was not worthy and would rather love to return to his family. His attitude towards the offer, mainly begin too modest, results in the death of Marcus and the dictatorship of Commodus and the beginning of Maximus downfall. The reversal of fortune takes place not long after this, as he's taken by slave traders. The fate that Maximus faces and journey he goes through, is much greater in the end, than what he deserves, his realization of his fatal flaw happens just a few moments before

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