Hamlet And Agamemnon: Aristotle's Definition Of Tragedy

Hamlet and Agamemnon are both plays that possess the elements for Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. The both include the downfall of a likeable and over all good character that by an error or choice. Both show the protagonist becoming aware or insightful of their misjudgment and the unravelling and consequence that comes from their errors. Both plays deliver a sense of pity or sympathy towards the characters and some relief upon the conclusion.
The two famous plays have similar themes. Power that is gained immorally causes unrest and disorder, the desire for revenge overpowers all else, deceit is destructive regardless of intention, and the loyalty and love between parents and their children is a powerful force.
In Hamlet we see Hamlet himself become unraveled, consumed by grief, a desire for revenge, and paranoia. Hamlet seeks desire for the ghost of his father who was murdered by his own brother Claudius who then went on to marry his mother Gertrude. His plight causes him great inner turmoil and he descends into madness. Only after several tragic losses including the life of his mother, his friends, and his love Ophelia does Hamlet succeed in murdering Claudius and his revenge is achieved. In Agamemnon despite the name the protagonist appears to be Clytemnestra the wife of an arrogant and …show more content…
Ophelia the obedient daughter of Polonius is driven to madness and eventually death after suffering abuse from family, the patriarchal system and Hamlet. Her passive nature allows her to be a doormat for all the men that she has relationships with. Horatio must watch somewhat helplessly as his best friend is consumed by his emotions and has seemingly gone mad, and Laertes faces similar tragedy as Hamlet when his father is murdered. The deaths go on and on throughout the sub plots. No one is left unscathed in Shakespeare’s world making it a tragedy of epic