Opplæringskontoret for Indre Hordaland

Tragedie

A “tragedy” is a dramatic or literary work that presents serious and often somber themes, typically involving human suffering, loss, or the downfall of a protagonist. It explores the darker aspects of human experience and often culminates in an unhappy or disastrous conclusion, evoking emotions such as pity and fear in the audience. The term originates from ancient Greek theater, where tragedies were performed as part of religious festivals and often involved characters of noble birth facing moral dilemmas, fate, or the consequences of their actions. In literature, tragedies highlight the complexities of human nature and the inevitability of fate, occasionally illustrating moral lessons or philosophical insights. Prominent examples of tragedy can be found in the works of playwrights like Sophocles, Shakespeare, and Euripides.