Objective: to introduce students to the structure of Shakespearean Tragedy
Materials: handout/overhead on: 1)structure and 2)elements of Shakespearean Tragedy
Sequence: 1. Review plot graphing for a novel and explain the difference between a novel and a play.
- Read the play (ongoing since lesson 2)
Introduction – describes the mood and conditions existing at the beginning
of the play. The time and place will be identified as well as the main characters and
their positions, circumstances and relationships to one another. (Act I)
Complication – begins the conflict that will continue that will continue
throughout the play.
Rising Action– the series of events that lead up to the climax of the play
comprise the rising action. These events provide a progressive intensity of interest for
the readers. (involves more than one act)
Climax – represents the turning point of the play.
Falling Action – everything from the climax to the hero’s death. (occurs
in more than one act)
Catastrophe– Hero’s death (will be simple and brief /Act V)
