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Romeo And Juliet Tragic Hero Research Paper

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In tragedy, the tragic hero is the protagonist who possess a weakness that leads to his destruction and suffers due to his errors. Even though the hero goes through a terrible defeat, his suffering gives humanity an opportunity to validate itself and display redeeming qualities. Three main theories of the tragic hero are the Aristotelian model, the Shakespearean model, and the modern tragic hero. Each model has five defining characteristics, which are nobility, hamartia, downfall, anagnorisis, and suffering. In the Shakespearean mode of tragedy, the play Romeo and Juliet models the tragic hero. For instance, nobility is characterized by being upper class and having elevated character. Romeo satisfies both these criteria through his position …show more content…

For example, Michael Phelps is known as the most embellished Olympian of all time. Michael Phelps’ noble life started in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 30, 1985 (1). Even though Phelps is famous now, he was just an ordinary child in his early life, living with two parents and two sisters. Furthermore, Phelps’ had hamartia when he was a little boy, dreaming of being an exceptional swimmer (5). Additionally, his determination and focus at such a young age was what veered him towards a spot on the Olympic team in 2000 when he was only 15 years old (3 and 1). His fame and talent increased dramatically from the 2000 Olympics, where he got fifth place. Eventually, the fame cast a shadow upon his happiness, which led to him driving under the influence and smoking marijuana (2 and 4). Towards the end of the downfall, his recognition of anagnorisis encouraged Phelps to join a rehab program that lasted 45 days (2). Finally, his suffering due to his DUI’s consisted of a 18-month probation and a fine of $250 (1). Phelps also had to pay $1,750 and a three month suspension from the Olympics due to the exposure of the picture of him smoking marijuana (4). Thus, Michael Phelps’ early life as an Olympian is a replica of a modern tragic …show more content…

The downfall of Michael Phelps life started when he was seen smoking marijuana in a photograph that was in a British tabloid newspaper (4). The reason he did this is because he despised the fame he got from swimming. Phelps, at this point, abominated swimming at the Olympics and felt lost during his expanding success. The image of perfection that he had made for himself was drowning Michael Phelps to the point of hatred. As a result of this action, Phelps suffering ignited when he was suspended from competition for three months and was withheld $1,750 of his monthly stipend (4). After this tragic event, Phelps finally retired from the famous Olympic swimmer and lost himself drastically. During his two-year retirement, Phelps was dragged down the rabbit hole. The hatred he endured when thinking of swimming was troublesome because of his extravagant use of the Olympics and at such a young age. Michael Phelps’ boredom from not competing for two years led to him going to multiple casinos. Even when Phelps was intentive on rebounding and going to the Olympics again, he went back to his old habits. Another problem arose when Phelps was arrested inside a Baltimore tunnel for speeding and crossing the double-lane lines (7). As a result of his struggle, Michael Phelps was arrested for speeding through Maryland, his home town: “...was suspended for six months by USA Swimming on Monday following his recent

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