Quote:
Originally posted by LeslieAGD
Is Helen a victim? Maybe...
Is she a tragic hero? Ehh...let's examine the possiblity:
Elements of a Tragic Hero
1) Main Character - Helen is not a main character. The true main characters of the tale are Achilles, Agamemnon, and Hector.
2) Noble Stature - While Helen does have a high social standing, she really has no power. She was only the excuse for Agamemnon to go to war with Troy.
3) Tragic Flaw - What is it? Adultry? Maybe that's she's self-centered because she does believe the war is actually about her?
4) Free Will - This trait she does possess because she leaves Menalaus.
5) Tragic Ending - She does get what she deserves by being taken back to Sparta, although few true tragic heroes actually live at the end.
6) Increased Awareness - It is important that the tragic hero come to some sort of understanding of what went wrong before the end of story. I guess this one really depends on whether you believe Helen comprehends that the war is political.
This is an interesting topic for debate.
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Her beauty could qualify her for noble stature since women back then weren't given political power. The fact that everyone she loved was dead and she was forced to go back to Sparta could qualify as a tragic ending. Adultery her flaw? Yeah, works for me. Increased awareness? Maybe.
Interesting!
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