“The catastrophe of the tragic hero thus becomes the catastrophe of the fifth-century man; all his furious energy and intellectual daring drive him on to this terrible discovery of his fundamental ignorance - he is not the measure of all things but the thing measured and found wanting.”
Analysis of Quote by Robert Fagles
In this quote, Robert Fagles explores the concept of tragedy and the fall of the tragic hero in fifth-century literature. He suggests that the tragic hero's downfall is not just a personal catastrophe, but a reflection of the limitations and ignorance of humanity as a whole. The hero's ambition, energy, and daring ultimately lead to a realization of their own insignificance in the grand scheme of things. This quote highlights the theme of hubris and the consequences of challenging the natural order in ancient Greek literature.
Modern Relevance of Tragic Heroism
The quote by Robert Fagles highlights the downfall of the tragic hero in Greek literature, suggesting that their ultimate failure is a reflection of the limitations and ignorance of humanity. This concept holds modern relevance as it emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and the recognition of our own limitations in a world that constantly challenges our beliefs and assumptions.
Analysis of Tragic Heroism in Ancient Greek Literature
"The catastrophe of the tragic hero thus becomes the catastrophe of the fifth-century man; all his furious energy and intellectual daring drive him on to this terrible discovery of his fundamental ignorance - he is not the measure of all things but the thing measured and found wanting.” - Robert Fagles"
Reflection Questions:
In this quote from Robert Fagles, he discusses the idea of the tragic hero's downfall being reflective of the limitations and ignorance of humanity as a whole. Consider the following questions to reflect on this idea further:
- How does the concept of the tragic hero's downfall mirror the limitations and flaws of human nature in general?
- Do you agree that the tragic hero's ultimate realization of their ignorance is a reflection of the human condition? Why or why not?
- How does the idea of being "the thing measured and found wanting" resonate with your understanding of the human experience?
- Can you think of any real-life examples where individuals or societies have faced similar catastrophes due to their own hubris or ignorance?
Similar quotes
“I love him whose soul is so overfull that he forgets himself, and all things are in him: thus all things become his going under.”
“Harshaw had the arrogant humility of the man who has learned so much that he is aware of his own ignorance and he saw no point in 'measurements' when he did not know what he was measuring.”
“Night sometimes lends such tragic assistance to catastrophe.”
“Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life.”
“Man's feet are the measure for distance, his hands are the measure for ownership, his body is the measure for all that is lovable and desirable and strong. Then I went further: it was then that I called to you for the first time, and you would not come.”