MODERN TRAGEDY

Module 7 – Discussion: Modern Tragedy

Respond to this discussion activity by constructing a one-paragraph argument about one of the following topics:

• A motif is an element, a type of device, incident or formula found in literature. The term is also applied to the frequent repetition of a significant phrase, set description, or image in a single work. (Theme is sometimes used interchangeably with motif, but we will continue to use theme to refer to the overall claim or doctrine that a work is designed to incorporate.) In Antigone, for example, suicide is a recurring motif. Fences also incorporates recurring references, images and phrases. As discussed in Question 1, athletic pursuits are one dominant motif. Identify and explain the significance of another motif.
• In his essay, “Tragedy and the Common Man,” Arthur Miller argues that tragedy is not pessimistic. Why does Miller see tragedy as optimistic? Taken as a whole, do you interpret Fences as optimistic or pessimistic?

Once you have selected a topic:

1. Make a claim in response to one of the topics above.
2. Add evidence to support your claim in the form of a quotation to illustrate the point you are making.
3. Add analysis by explaining how your quote proves or illustrates your claim.

Answer preview

Example of a Motif

The purpose of the motif in various literary works remains to promote the relevance of the main topics of discussion. Death represents a theme in, for example, the investigations associated with a suicide case. A writer using the word death in his/her article or text might not repeat the same word but can use words that represent the word death to describe the motif. The writer might decide to incorporate other words like dead, funeral or grave to clearly show the…