Famous Tragic Plays and Their Enduring Impact

The Tempest is a comedy, not a tragedy.

Oedipus' ignorance of his true identity and his past actions leads to his downfall.

Agamemnon is set during the Trojan War and tells the story of the aftermath of Agamemnon's return home.

Hedda's pride and inability to accept her own limitations lead to her tragic downfall.

Julius Caesar is based on the true story of the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Willy Loman's pride and inability to accept the changing world around him lead to his tragic downfall.

A Streetcar Named Desire is set in the American South and tells the story of Blanche DuBois' downfall.

Troy Maxson's pride and inability to accept his own limitations lead to his tragic downfall.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is set in a mental institution and tells the story of Randle McMurphy's rebellion against the oppressive Nurse Ratched.

James Tyrone's alcoholism and inability to connect with his family lead to his tragic downfall.

Miss Saigon is set during the Vietnam War and tells the story of a Vietnamese woman who falls in love with an American soldier.

Prior Walter's homosexuality and the discrimination he faces lead to his tragic downfall.

1984 is set in a dystopian future where the government controls every aspect of people's lives.

The man's love for his son and his inability to let go of the past lead to his tragic downfall.

Oedipus Rex is based on the Greek myth of Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother.