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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tragedy arises from a clash between two valid moral positions rather than good versus evil.
In plain terms
Real tragedy happens when two right choices conflict.
What can you take from it?
Understand that difficult choices often involve competing goods.

Where it applies

  • drama analysis
  • moral philosophy
  • storytelling

Putting it to work

  • analyze character motives
  • write complex conflicts

Questions to consider

  • When have you faced a choice between two rights?
  • Does this definition change how you view tragic heroes?

Another view

Not all tragedies fit this framework; some involve pure evil.

More from Peter Shaffer

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  2. Rehearsing a play is making the word flesh. Publishing a play is reversing the process.

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  3. The men climb the Andes.

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