What is conventional tragedy?

Conventional tragedy is a form of drama that follows a specific structure and set of conventions. It typically involves a protagonist who is initially prosperous and happy, but then falls from grace due to a tragic flaw or error in judgment. The protagonist's downfall often leads to the destruction of their family and friends, and the play ends with a sense of loss and despair.

Some of the key conventions of conventional tragedy include:

* A tragic hero: The protagonist is typically a complex and admirable person, but they also have a fatal flaw that ultimately leads to their downfall.

* A reversal of fortune: The protagonist's life takes a sudden and unexpected turn for the worse, usually as a result of their own actions.

* Recognition: The protagonist comes to realize their own guilt or responsibility for their downfall.

* Catharsis: The audience experiences a sense of pity and fear for the protagonist, and is ultimately left with a sense of catharsis, or emotional release.

Conventional tragedy is a highly influential form of drama that has been used by playwrights for centuries to explore some of the most profound themes in human experience, such as the nature of fate, free will, and the consequences of human action. Some of the most famous examples of conventional tragedy include Sophocles' *Oedipus Rex*, Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, and Arthur Miller's *Death of a Salesman*.