The Tragic Hero of the Neo-Classical Revival

Abstract

A critical appraisal of the role of the tradition of tragedy from the Aristotle classical period to modern times reveals that tragedy as a genre in respect of themes passed through a metamorphosis. This paper aims to look at how the French Neo-Classical period defined and practised the concept of tragedy. The paper provides content analysis of Phedre by Racine with a view to understanding the presentation of the heroine during the period. The portrayal of Phedre as a tragic heroine shares elements reminiscent of the classical concept of tragedy. The paper fulfils an identified need to study the concept of tragedy and shows the appendages of the classical thinking in the neo-classical period.