Peripety And Discovery

Worksheet Description

This educational worksheet focuses on two pivotal concepts in the study of tragedy: Peripety and Discovery. It is designed to help students identify and understand the significance of these dramatic elements in the context of a tragic play. Peripety, or the sudden reversal of circumstances, is a key moment in the plot that dramatically alters the direction of the story, often leading to the downfall of the tragic hero. Discovery, on the other hand, refers to the transition from ignorance to knowledge, a realization that typically comes too late to avert tragedy.

The worksheet prompts students to analyze a play of their choice by identifying instances of peripety and discovery within the narrative. It encourages critical thinking and close reading by asking students to explain how these elements function in the play. By engaging with these terms, students gain a deeper appreciation of the intricacies of tragic storytelling and the techniques playwrights use to construct their narratives. This type of analysis is crucial in developing students’ analytical skills and their ability to interpret complex literary texts.