... to communicate his emotions with anyone and his mixture of obsession with being manly and his aggressive and courageous nature make for a bad combination. However, when no character in the book is around, we as the readers are able to see situations where Okonkwo has the potential for emotion and paternal instincts. Much like Macbeth from earlier on in the year ... , his violence and courageousness, which bring him to power and wealth in the first place, are exactly what bring him to his downfall. Aristotle is the first to define and use a tragic hero in the play "Oedipus Rex," translate...

• Word Count: 1024
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... , and tragic downfall in fate also impacts the people in their polis or tribe. A key element of a tragic hero is his "hamartia" (tragic flaw), as explained by ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle. Oedipus commits various acts of hubris, also commonly known as excessive pride, throughout the entire play as his tragic flaw. In the beginning, Oedipus first attempts to deny and run ... personal achievements"" (Achebe 1). Lastly, tragic heroes experience a drastic catastrophe or downfall in their lives that is ultimately caused by fate. Both are admired by many in the beginning of the book fr...

• Word Count: 1007
• Approx Pages: 4