Hi all,
Just a quick post to review our findings from today and set your homework. We looked at the end of The Crucible in the lesson, focusing on the character of John Proctor. In particular, we considered the extent to which the character could be said to conform to the conventions of the Greek model of the tragic hero, and compared him to Eddie Carbone from A View from the Bridge. There were some clear elements of crossover here, particularly in identifying features such as hubris (excessive or stubborn pride), an also the sense of agnorisis, in that Proctor seemed to come to an understanding of his own character and weaknesses before his death. It was also striking to note some very similar lines delivered by each character as they defended their honour through protecting their 'name'. We also discussed the idea, however, that Proctor seems less tragic than Eddie in some senses, as he controls his destiny at the end, and in some ways triumphs over the authorities in choosing to die rather than suffer dishonour in the eyes of his community.
For your homework, I'd just like you to complete our task of finding evidence to support the reading of Eddie as a classical tragic hero (see the picture on this post for a reminder of the features we identified, and click on it to make it bigger). If you could find at least one quotation for each, that would be great. Also, if you could get hold of a copy of All My Sons over the weekend, that would be very helpful. http://www.amazon.co.uk/All-My-Sons-Hereford-Plays/dp/0435225782/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221856333&sr=8-2
Right, that's it- apologies for the high death count in this morning's viewing, but this is a tragedy unit after all! Things will get less gruesome (but not necessarily less tragic) from now on!
Mr Boulter
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