Rooted in ancient greek drama and later adapted by playwrights like shakespeare and ibsen, tragedy evokes emotions such as pity, fear, and catharsis in audiences. A tragedy is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a main character or cast of characters. In his poetics, the ancient greek philosopher aristotle defined tragedy as a morally ambiguous genre in which a noble hero goes from good fortune to bad. A literary composition, as a novel, dealing with a somber theme carried to a tragic conclusion. By extension the term may be applied to other literary works, such as the novel. The tragedy of poverty. The tragic heros powerful wish to achieve some goal inevitably encounters limits, usually those of human frailty (flaws in reason, hubris, society), the gods (through oracles, prophets, fate), or nature. It serves as a mirror reflecting the harsh … · tragedy underscores the vulnerability of humanity, our susceptibility to failure, and the inevitable suffering that comes with existence. Tragedy is a literary device signifying a story or drama that presents an admirable or courageous character that confronts powerful forces inside and/or outside of themselves. A very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering: The meaning of tragedy is a disastrous event : A family tragedy. How to use tragedy in a sentence. Tragedy depicts the downfall of a noble hero or heroine, usually through some combination of hubris, fate, and the will of the gods. The tragic element of drama, of literature generally, or of life: A lamentable, dreadful, or fatal event or affair; Tragedy, branch of drama that treats in a serious and dignified style the sorrowful or terrible events encountered or caused by a heroic individual.