Tragedies And Dramas

Worksheet Description

This catharsis worksheet is designed to deepen students’ understanding of literary genres and their emotional impact. Beginning with a foundational question, “What is a tragedy?”, students are encouraged to define and contemplate the characteristics of this pivotal dramatic genre, known for its serious themes and often somber resolutions. The worksheet progresses to a historical perspective, asking about the two primary types of stories recognized in the ancient world, likely referring to the dichotomy between tragedy and comedy, and pushes students to connect these ancient classifications to the modern categorization of narratives.

The third question challenges students to consider how contemporary stories are classified, prompting a discussion that may range from genre to theme or even narrative structure. Students are then asked to differentiate between drama and tragedy, focusing on the nuances that separate these closely related genres. The worksheet also explores the similarities between dramas and comedies, leading to an interesting examination of how these genres can overlap despite their different tones. Lastly, it invites students to identify which type of story is most conducive to producing catharsis, encouraging them to reflect on the emotional release and enlightenment that stories can provoke. This exercise not only refines students’ literary analysis skills but also encourages them to appreciate the transformative power of storytelling.