Question

The influence of Greek tragedy as filtered through Seneca can still be seen in modern plays, movies, and literature. Select a play, movie, or literary work with which you are familiar. In the space below, write a short piece of writing presenting and analyzing the evidence you find of Greek tragic elements as discussed in relation to Elizabethan and Senecan drama. Include examples of at least three different elements, with an explanation of each one. Be sure to include the title of your selected work, as well as its type (play, movie, or literary work such as a book or short story). Elements you might choose from include the tragic hero, premonitions, prophetic dreams, or revenge.

Answer 1

Answer:

Let's take one of the most influential and popular novels of the 21st century - George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire". This work is all the more appropriate to showcase the influence of Greek, Senecan and Elizabethan tragedies since the series have been turned into a critically acclaimed TV show.

Explanation:

These epic fantasy novels deal with a noble family, which is one of the prerequisites of all three types of tragedy we are dealing with here. Furthermore, many of the protagonists from the Stark family are the so-called "flawed heroes" - well-intended and principled people who often end up stranded (or dead) because of their terrible mistakes or oversights.

One notable example of a tragic hero is the head of the family, Eddard Stark. He is an honorable man who ends up betrayed and executed because he took part in the dangerous game of thrones yet refused to play by the dirty rules that would help him save his head and family. In a way, he would have his cake and eat it, which is of course impossible. Ultimately, his great pride and self-righteousness border on hubris, leading him to think that his perspective is the only right one.

There is also Arya's complex and elaborate revenge that's been carefully plotted throughout multiple volumes of the work. Having survived all the family turmoil, she embarks on a personal journey that will be anything but your conventional coming-of-age story. She will learn to fight, survive, and kill her enemies with great skill and imagination. Her bloodthirstiness is a true Senecan feature.

On the other hand, there are Bran's prophetic dreams about the Three-Eyed Raven. Through them, he gradually learns who he really is and how he can overcome his physical disability. These dreams are not just about his own predicament though. They also provide him with an insight into the terrible challenge the whole humanity is facing. Of course, these dreams are not using plain language but symbols and metaphors - just like the Delphi oracle in Greek tragedies.