There are two theories that have been used to explain ancient and mode

Question

There are two theories that have been used to
⠀⠀⠀ explain ancient and modern tragedy. Neither quite
⠀⠀⠀ explains the complexity of the tragic process or the
⠀⠀⠀ tragic hero, but each explains important elements
(5) of tragedy, and, because their conclusions are
⠀⠀⠀ contradictory, they represent extreme views. The first
⠀⠀⠀ theory states that all tragedy exhibits the workings
⠀⠀⠀ of external fate. Of course, the overwhelming
⠀⠀⠀ majority of tragedies do leave us with a sense of the
(10) supremacy of impersonal power and of the limitation
⠀⠀⠀ of human effort. But this theory of tragedy is an
⠀⠀⠀ oversimplification, primarily because it confuses
⠀⠀⠀ the tragic condition with the tragic process: the
⠀⠀⠀ theory does not acknowledge that fate, in a tragedy,
(15) normally becomes external to the hero only after
⠀⠀⠀ the tragic process has been set in motion. Fate, as
⠀⠀⠀ conceived in ancient Greek tragedy, is the internal
⠀⠀⠀ balancing condition of life. It appears as external
⠀⠀⠀ only after it has been violated, just as justice is an
(20) internal quality of an honest person, but the external
⠀⠀⠀ antagonist of the criminal. Secondarily, this theory
⠀⠀⠀ of tragedy does not distinguish tragedy from irony.
⠀⠀⠀ Irony does not need an exceptional central figure:
⠀⠀⠀ as a rule, the more ignoble the hero the sharper the
(25) irony, when irony alone is the objective. It is heroism
⠀⠀⠀ that creates the splendor and exhilaration that is
⠀⠀⠀ unique to tragedy. The tragic hero normally has an
⠀⠀⠀ extraordinary, often a nearly divine, destiny almost
⠀⠀⠀ within grasp, and the glory of that original destiny
(30) never quite fades out of the tragedy.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The second theory of tragedy states that the
⠀⠀⠀ act that sets the tragic process in motion must be
⠀⠀⠀ primarily a violation of moral law, whether human
⠀⠀⠀ or divine; in short, that the tragic hero must have a
(35) flaw that has an essential connection with sin. Again
⠀⠀⠀ it is true that the great majority of tragic heroes do
⠀⠀⠀ possess hubris, or a proud and passionate mind
⠀⠀⠀ that seems to make the hero's downfall morally 
⠀⠀⠀ explicable. But such hubris is only the precipitating
(40) agent of catastrophe, just as in comedy the cause
⠀⠀⠀ of the happy ending is usually some act of humility,
⠀⠀⠀ often performed by a noble character who is meanly
⠀⠀⠀ disguised.   1 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare and criticize two theories of tragedy
B. develop a new theory of tragedy
C. summarize the thematic content of tragedy
D. reject one theory of tragedy and offer another theory in its place
E. distinguish between tragedy and irony

RC79461.01-10

2 
 2. The author states that the theories discussed in the passage “represent extreme views” (see line 6) because their conclusions are

A. unpopular
B. complex
C. paradoxical
D. contradictory
E. imaginative

RC79461.01-20

3 
 3. The author objects to the theory that all tragedy exhibits the workings of external fate primarily because

A. fate in tragedies is not as important a cause of action as is the violation of a moral law
B. fate in tragedies does not appear to be something that is external to the tragic hero until after the tragic process has begun
C. the theory is based solely on an understanding of ancient Greek tragedy
D. the theory does not seem to be a plausible explanation of tragedy's ability to exhilarate an audience
E. the theory does not seem applicable to the large number of tragedies in which the hero overcomes fate

RC79461.01-30

4 
 4. Which of the following comparisons of the tragic with the ironic hero is best supported by information contained in the passage?

A. A tragic hero's fate is an external condition, but an ironic hero's fate is an internal one.
B. A tragic hero must be controlled by fate, but an ironic hero cannot be.
C. A tragic hero's moral flaw surprises the audience, but an ironic hero's sin does not.
D. A tragic hero and an ironic hero cannot both be virtuous figures in the same tragedy.
E. A tragic hero is usually extraordinary, but an ironic hero may be cowardly or even villainous.

RC79461.01-40

5 
 5. The author contrasts an honest person and a criminal (see lines 19–21) primarily to

A. prove that fate cannot be external to the tragic hero
B. establish a criterion that allows a distinction to be made between irony and tragedy
C. develop the distinction between the tragic condition and the tragic process
D. introduce the concept of sin as the cause of tragic action
E. argue that the theme of omnipotent external fate is shared by comedy and tragedy

RC79461.01-50

6 
 6. The author suggests that the tragic hero's “original destiny never quite fades out of the tragedy” (see lines 29–30) primarily to

A. qualify the assertion that the theory of tragedy as a display of external fate is inconsistent
B. introduce the discussion of the theory that tragedy is the consequence of individual sin
C. refute the theory that the tragic process is more important than the tragic condition
D. support the claim that heroism creates the splendor and exhilaration of tragedy
E. distinguish between fate as conceived in ancient Greek tragedy and fate in more recent tragedy

RC79461.01-60

7 
 7. In the author's opinion, an act of humility in comedy is most analogous to

A. a catastrophe in tragedy
B. an ironic action in tragedy
C. a tragic hero's pride and passion
D. a tragic hero's aversion to sin
E. a tragic hero's pursuit of an unusual destiny

RC79461.01-70

gmatt1476 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

RC79461.01-50

5. The author contrasts an honest person and a criminal (see lines 19–21) primarily to

A. prove that fate cannot be external to the tragic hero
B. establish a criterion that allows a distinction to be made between irony and tragedy
C. develop the distinction between the tragic condition and the tragic process
D. introduce the concept of sin as the cause of tragic action
E. argue that the theme of omnipotent external fate is shared by comedy and tragedy

Evaluation

For what reason does the author draw a contrast between an honest person and a criminal? The contrast is presented during the discussion of the first of the two theories of tragedy; in particular, it is introduced to question whether fate is necessarily external in the tragic hero. The author suggests that fate, as conceived in ancient Greek tragedy, is initially the internal balancing condition of life. However, fate becomes external once the tragic process is unleashed. The tragic process begins when the theory violates this internal balance, ultimately leading to the tragic condition.

From this perspective, fate is both internal and external during the tragic process. Attributing sin to the tragic hero pertains only to the discussion of the second theory of tragedy. Note that no reference to comedy occurs in the context of the contrast drawn between an honest person and a criminal.

A. The passage suggests that fate can be external as well as internal in ancient Greek tragedy.

B. The distinction between tragedy and irony is offered as a critique of the first theory of tragedy; it is not presented as derived from the preceding discussion about fate.

C. Correct.  As explained above, the contrast between the internal and external forms of fate is presented to distinguish between the tragic process itself and the tragic condition that is the outcome of the tragic process.

D. The attribution of sin to the tragic hero figures only in the discussion of the second theory of tragedy; therefore it is not associated with the mentioned contrast.

E. While the passage briefly mentions comedy, it is not in association with the contrast mentioned.

The correct answer is C.

gmatt1476 · Answer

RC79461.01-70

Official Explanation

7. In the author's opinion, an act of humility in comedy is most analogous to

A. a catastrophe in tragedy
B. an ironic action in tragedy
C. a tragic hero's pride and passion
D. a tragic hero's aversion to sin
E. a tragic hero's pursuit of an unusual destiny

Inference

What would the author regard as most analogous to an act of humility in comedy? The author writes that a proud and passionate mind is the precipitating agent of catastrophe, just as in comedy the cause of the happy ending is usually some act of humility. In other words, in tragedy, the hero's hubris leads to his or her downfall.

A. A catastrophe is an external event rather than the quality of a character, whereas both hubris and humility are qualities of human characters.

B. Nowhere does the passage associate an ironic action in tragedy with an act of humility.

C. Correct.  The author compares how hubris leads to catastrophe in tragedy with how an act of humility leads to a happy ending in comedy.

D. The author refers to how the second theory associates the tragic hero with sin. However, the author makes no reference to the tragic hero's aversion to sin as analogous to an act of humility in comedy.

E. The author does not propose any similarity between the extraordinary aspiration of the tragic hero—that is, the hero's unusual destiny—and an act of humility in comedy.

The correct answer is C.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC79461.01-10

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare and criticize two theories of tragedy
B. develop a new theory of tragedy
C. summarize the thematic content of tragedy
D. reject one theory of tragedy and offer another theory in its place
E. distinguish between tragedy and irony

Main idea

What is the primary purpose of the passage? The hypothesis that the primary purpose of the passage is to compare and criticize two theories of tragedy is attractive. After all, the substance of the passage consists mainly of a discussion of the two theories.

To confirm that answer choice A is the best choice, however, we need to quickly review the other options. Does the passage develop a new theory of tragedy? No. Does it summarize the thematic content of tragedy? This would be clear if so; it is not clear. Does it offer a theory of tragedy to replace a theory it rejects? Definitely not. Does it distinguish between tragedy and irony? This is discussed, but only in a manner incidental to the main idea of the passage. Given the unsuitability of the other answer choices, we are left with answer choice A: that the main purpose of the passage is to compare and criticize two theories of tragedy.

A. Correct.  This best describes the main purpose of the passage, based on the analysis above.

B. The passage does not develop a new theory of tragedy.

C. While the passage summarizes the thematic content of tragedy in a very general way, it does so only as a means to providing a critical analysis of the two theories of tragedy discussed.

D. The passage does not advance a new theory of tragedy; it simply considers two existing theories.

E. The passage distinguishes between tragedy and irony; it does so only in service of the larger analysis that is the main focus of the passage.

The correct answer is A.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC79461.01-20

2. The author states that the theories discussed in the passage “represent extreme views” (see line 6) because their conclusions are

A. unpopular
B. complex
C. paradoxical
D. contradictory
E. imaginative

Supporting idea

What reason does the author of the passage state for the claim that the two theories of tragedy discussed represent extreme views?

A careful reading of the first few sentences of the passage provides a quick answer to this question. In the second sentence of the passage, the author states that the two theories represent extreme views because their conclusions are contradictory.

It may be that the author has other reasons for this conclusion. However, no other such reasons are stated.

A. The author neither explicitly nor implicitly characterizes either of the theories as unpopular.

B. The author refers to the complexity of the tragic process, but this statement is not used to complain that the theories are extreme.

C. The author nowhere states that either of the theories—or their juxtaposition—is paradoxical.

D. Correct.  The author presents this as reason for concluding that the theories are extreme.

E. The author nowhere refers to imaginativeness as a reason for the claim that the theories are extreme.

The correct answer is D.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC79461.01-30

3. The author objects to the theory that all tragedy exhibits the workings of external fate primarily because

A. fate in tragedies is not as important a cause of action as is the violation of a moral law
B. fate in tragedies does not appear to be something that is external to the tragic hero until after the tragic process has begun
C. the theory is based solely on an understanding of ancient Greek tragedy
D. the theory does not seem to be a plausible explanation of tragedy's ability to exhilarate an audience
E. the theory does not seem applicable to the large number of tragedies in which the hero overcomes fate

Supporting idea

What is the author's main reason for objecting to the theory that all tragedy exhibits the workings of external fate?

This view is attributed, in the passage's third sentence, to the first of the two theories considered. The author characterizes this view as an oversimplification, primarily because it confuses the tragic condition with the tragic process. In other words, the tragic hero's relationship with fate changes as the tragic process continues: fate is used to balance the tragic hero's life, and becomes an external condition as the hero's life becomes unbalanced.

The author elaborates that in ancient Greek tragedy fate normally becomes external to the hero only after the tragic process has begun. Therefore, the correct answer will likely mention either the tragic “process” or the tragic “condition.”

A. This option mentions neither the tragic condition nor the tragic process.

B. Correct.  This option mentions the tragic process and accurately captures the reason presented by the author to support the objection raised.

C. The author invokes ancient Greek tragedy to illustrate and support the objection raised; it is not invoked to indicate a flaw in the theory objected to.

D. The author does not cite tragedy's ability to exhilarate an audience as a primary reason for the objection raised.

E. The author does not cite the large number of tragedies in which the hero overcomes fate as the primary reason for the objection raised.

The correct answer is B.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC79461.01-40

4. Which of the following comparisons of the tragic with the ironic hero is best supported by information contained in the passage?

A. A tragic hero's fate is an external condition, but an ironic hero's fate is an internal one.
B. A tragic hero must be controlled by fate, but an ironic hero cannot be.
C. A tragic hero's moral flaw surprises the audience, but an ironic hero's sin does not.
D. A tragic hero and an ironic hero cannot both be virtuous figures in the same tragedy.
E. A tragic hero is usually extraordinary, but an ironic hero may be cowardly or even villainous.

Inference

Which one of the comparisons between the tragic hero and the ironic hero is most strongly supported by the information in the passage?

To eliminate some of the choices, note the following: first, the passage indicates that the tragic hero's fate is initially internal, but the passage does not apply this to the ironic hero's fate. Second, the passage does not suggest that an ironic hero cannot be controlled by fate. Third, the passage does not attribute a sin to the ironic hero, yet it does indicate that the character of the ironic hero tends to be ignoble.

In any case, the passage is silent as to whether a tragedy can feature two heroes, one tragic and the other ironic. Finally, the passage implies that tragedy, unlike irony, needs an exceptional central figure. Furthermore, the passage suggests the following about an ironic hero: the more ignoble the hero the sharper the irony.

A. The passage indicates that the tragic hero's fate is initially internal but becomes external as part of the tragic process. The passage does consider whether an ironic hero can be controlled by fate but also does not exclude that possibility. Therefore, the passage does not suggest that externalized fate is a factor that distinguishes the tragic hero from the ironic hero.

B. Nothing in the passage indicates that an ironic hero cannot be controlled by fate.

C. The passage indicates that the character of the ironic hero tends to be ignoble. However, it does not imply that a sin by the ironic hero is essential to the development of the irony.

D .The passage does not address whether a tragedy can feature two heroes, one of whom is tragic and one of whom is ironic.

E. Correct.  Among the choices provided, this comparison is best supported: tragedy requires an exceptional central figure, while for irony, the more ignoble the hero the better.

The correct answer is E.

gmatt1476 · Answer

Official Explanation

RC79461.01-60

6. The author suggests that the tragic hero's “original destiny never quite fades out of the tragedy” (see lines 29–30) primarily to

A. qualify the assertion that the theory of tragedy as a display of external fate is inconsistent
B. introduce the discussion of the theory that tragedy is the consequence of individual sin
C. refute the theory that the tragic process is more important than the tragic condition
D. support the claim that heroism creates the splendor and exhilaration of tragedy
E. distinguish between fate as conceived in ancient Greek tragedy and fate in more recent tragedy

Evaluation

Which one of the five answer choices best describes the primary purpose of the author's claim that the glory of the tragic hero's “original destiny never quite fades out of the tragedy”? In the sentence immediately preceding this claim, we read: It is heroism that creates the splendor and exhilaration that is unique to tragedy.

Tragedy persistently reminds us of the extraordinary destiny that could have been attained by the hero. This reminds the audience that this glorious destiny has been tragically lost. The final sentence of the first paragraph, therefore, serves to support the claim in the sentence that precedes it.

A. Nothing suggests that the author regards this claim as lessening the flaw that the author sees in the theory of tragedy first discussed.
B. This claim does not introduce the discussion of the second theory in the sense of creating a meaningful transition to it.
C. Nowhere does the passage address a theory that the tragic process is more important than the tragic condition; the author suggests that both are inherent in tragedy.
 D. Correct.  The context indicates that the author's suggestion is presented to support the claim expressed in the sentence that precedes it.
E. Nowhere does the passage mention a distinction between ancient Greek tragedy and more recent tragedy.

The correct answer is D.

NandishSS · Answer

HI  GMATNinja ,  EMPOWERgmatVerbal ,  generis ,  jennpt ,  egmat   VeritasPrepErika  ,  GMATRockstar ,  TestPrepUnlimited  , MentorTutoring

Can you please help me with questions  1,4,5 &7

In question 1 isn't the author just comparing the two theories?

GMATRockstar · Answer

I would say...what do you mean by "just"?

There's a LOT of emotion in this passage! It's unusually, uncharacteristically emotional for the GMAT! Look at these key words and phrases: --Neither quite explains... extreme views... --this theory of tragedy is an oversimplification --confuses...does not acknowledge --does not...does not And that's all just in the first paragraph!!! When there are more than three strong sentences of opinion in a passage, it is no longer informational, or even information with a small amount of opinion. It becomes persuasive. A persuasive passage cannot "just" compare. A persuasive passage takes a stand! Thus, it makes perfect sense why (A) is correct. This passage doesn't "just" compare! It ALSO criticizes!

mSKR · Answer

Doesn’t it indicate that Heroism and irony can’t go hand in hand, so I choose D.

A tragic hero is usually extraordinary, is TRUE but I don’t see anything specifically written about ironic hero , so I rejected E

Please suggest.  GMATNinja   VeritasKarishma

KarishmaB · Answer

"Irony does not need an exceptional central figure:
⠀⠀⠀ as a rule, the more ignoble the hero the sharper the
(25) irony, when irony alone is the objective."

This tells us that the ironic hero may be ignoble (mean or inferior).

The only time the passage discusses irony and ironic hero is this and this is the only difference it gives between the two heroes. Hence this is the best option.

suminha · Answer

I have trouble to understand the details in the passage.

The organization is quite simple, but I have problem to make the detail informations simple.
I usually paraphrase infos and make a chart in my brain, but this seems impossible in this passage.

Does anyone can explain the passage please?

sebamba · Answer

I think this passage is way easier if you know things about literary genres and that kind of stuff. Tragedy and Irony are words that we normally use in other settings and the definitions in this passages could be hard to understand if you don't get that they are talking about genres.

Here is my summary
But first, you need to know that  Tragedy  is a genre of story in which a hero is brought down by his/her own flaws. Also it would be useful to know that in  Irony  reality doesn't match with expectations and that in  Comedy  the author wants a cheerful ending.
 
 There are two theories to explain Tragedy, both are contradictory and represent extreme views 
 First, tragedy happens because of fate
 
 According to the author, this theory ignores that fate is a condition of life. 
 Fate is acknowledged only when it has been violated (similar to when we recognize honesty in a criminal but not in a regular situation) 
 Also, this theory does not distinguish tragedy from irony 
 In irony, the more normal the hero, the better. On the other hand, in tragedy the hero is extraordinary   
 Second theory: the tragedy is triggered by a violation of moral law
 
 It is true that the heroes are morally correct and this can explain the downfall 
 However, this correctness/hubris/pride it is just an agent of catastrophe, not the trigger. Just as in comedy the humility don't cause the happy ending but it is usually related

So, as you can see the author:
  exposes two theories and shows flaws in both of them. (Question 1 -  A ) 
 thinks that this two theories are contradictory and express extreme views (Question 2 -  D ) 
 dismiss the first theory stating that fate is normal and just reveals after something happens (Question 3 -  B ) 
 thinks that the ironic hero is not extraordinary (Question 4 -  E ) and that the tragedy hero is extraordinary, which is essential to distinguish the tragedy (Question 6 -  D ) 
 argues that tragedy is not triggered by a violation of moral by stating that this pride is just an agent in tragedy, in the same way that humility is an agent in comedy (Question 7 -  C )

Question 5 is the hardest for me, I was not able to deduce it. You can eliminate the wrong options using the summary, though.
I hope this helps.

mSKR · Answer

Hi  AndrewN  sir  VeritasKarishma  ma'm

I was little bit lost in wordings and phrases of passage. Please check whether my understanding of meaning is correct?

1. Here tragedy refers to some novels/dramas/act that ends in sad ending?

2. Irony here refers to some novels/drams that don’t end as per expectations?

3. Here it refers that tragic hero never falls out of bad endings because the destiny is determined in their minds?

4. whether human or divine; refers to human or divine act? am I right?

5. Here as cause of happy ending, some act of humility is needed ? Is it? But in general humility ( negative term) should not be required for happy ending?

6. How did you deduce the right meaning of tragic, ironic , tragic hero and ironic hero. It took me a while to figure it out that it is talking about some dramas/act. Initially , i was trying to make sense out of it with meanings of these words as use in real time : tragic ( something bad happen) ; irony ( satire) ; tragic/ironic hero ( couldn't infer meaning).
Please suggest .

Thanks!

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  imSKR . I wanted to wait to reply until I had gotten a chance to read the passage and complete the questions on my own. This passage just seemed to click for me. My accuracy was 100 percent, and my timing per question was pretty low: 2:33 (passage reading included); 0:22; 0:34; 1:19; 1:43; 1:40; 0:51. I mention my timing on each question to underscore a point I often bring up to my students, namely that it is okay to take your time on a given question if you need to—my times for questions 5 and 6 were slower than the average—and achieving an overall balance is far more important than hitting 1:48 per question. Again, stress meaning first, timing later. I will address your specific queries below.

That is the modern interpretation of the word, but in drama, tragedy was basically anything that did not fit into the comedy category. A play about political matters, for instance, might be considered a tragedy even if no one died. The intent of the play pushed the work into one category or the other. For further reading, see  this downloadable PDF .

To be honest, it is not crucial that we define  irony  ourselves. Just lean on the information given in the passage if a question pertains to the concept.

Not really. It is more like an Adam and Eve tale, in which something extraordinary—e.g., paradise—is no longer accessible, but the memory of what could have been is ever present.

It depends on how you interpret the modifier: human or divine  violation  or human or divine  moral law . Again, though, the specifics should not give us cause for concern. Just answer the questions being asked, testing the answers provided against what is stated in the passage.

No,  humility , or being humble, is often seen as a virtue, something positive. And humility is not necessary to generate a happy ending; it is  usually  such a catalyst, nothing more.

I did not bother with my own interpretations of the words. They could just as easily have been made up: tawirorld and, say, iraiibquw. (T and I would do for short, and if I got a question that asked about T or I, I would go back and locate the information I needed in the passage.)

Your queries remind me of  the dojo scene  in  The Matrix , when Morpheus taunts Neo, "Come on! Stop trying to hit me and hit me!" Believe it or not, I think of RC in the same way. I do not look to interpret the information for the most part, the details. I let those be, and, when pressed, I match keywords and make a determination.

I hope that helps. Thank you for thinking to ask me about the passage.

- Andrew

egmat · Answer

Hey folks,

I had the pleasure of going through this passage recently. Here are some notes from my analysis - based on my understanding. The questions of this passage are of course fairly easy. It is the passage that can be tricky if we rush through. Hope these rough notes are useful.

1.  Two theories of tragedy 
 a. On one side - Both do not properly explain the complexity of the tragic process/tragic hero
 b. On the other side  (But)  - each is able to explain some important elements of tragedy
 c. Their conclusions are contradictory
 i. Because of this, they represent 2 extreme views
 2.  Theory 1 
 a. All tragedy is an exhibition of the workings of external fate (external fate is what creates tragedy)
 b. Support/Explanation for above theory  (of course) 
 i. MOST  (majority)  of tragedies do indicate that something beyond our power (impersonal power, limitation of human effort) is at work (external fate)
 c. BUT, this theory is an oversimplification
 i. Mainly  (primarily)  because it confuses the tragic condition with the tragic process
 1) Explanation for the above:
 a) Fate becomes external only after the TP has been set in motion. Theory 1 does not take this aspect into account
 b) Example - Ancient Greek tragedy. Fate is initially internal, becomes external only after it has been violated 
 i) Parallel example provided  (just as) : Justice is internal for a honest person, becomes external upon violation (as seen in the case of a criminal - someone who has violated fate)
 ii. Second Reason  (secondarily)  why Theory 1 is an oversimplification - it does not differentiate between tragedy and irony
 1) Irony
 a) Does not need an exceptional central figure (HERO figure)
 i) In fact, the less prominent (ignoble: humble, not prominent, exceptional in any way types - non Hero), the better for irony
 ii) Why: because the irony becomes sharper, in other words, a prominent hero distracts from the core message of irony. Having a non prominent character keeps irony in sharp focus
 2) Tragedy on the other hand normally has exceptional, extraordinary HERO type character.
 a) Destiny almost within grasp, just failed, adds to the tragedy feel (the fact that He/she was so strong and so close, but fell short)
 b) Heroism creates the exhilaration feel of tragedy therefore. Unlike in Irony where we don’t want a prominent hero.
 3.  Theory 2 
 a. What triggers the tragic process is mainly  (primarily)  a violation of moral law
 i. The Tragic Hero must have a sinful flaw
 ii. Example ( again it is true  - building the above point) - hubris, pride, passionate mind
 iii. Tragic Hero - great person with a major flaw
 iv. Him/her acting on this sinful flaw triggers the tragic process
 b.  BUT  such a flaw (ex - hubris) is only the agent that triggers tragedy, it does not explain any other aspects
 i.  Just as , example - in comedy, the cause of the happy ending is only an act of humility performed by a noble character, disguised as a mean character
 ii. The trait of humility can only explain the happy ending. Cannot explain the whole of the comedy. Similarly, the sin (say hubris) can only explain what causes/triggers the tragic process, not other aspects of it.
 iii.  Only  implies that this explains only some things, not everything!

What has the author done in this passage?

1. Introduced 2 theories of tragedy
 2. Stated that while both cover some aspects, both also have issues
 3. Discussed theory 1, criticized it
 4. Discussed theory 2, criticized it

Summary 
 Introduced two theories of tragedy and criticized both

I have highlighted specific Keywords in Bold - which can help in understanding the passage better.

Cheers!
Harsha

avigutman · Answer

Video solution from Quant Reasoning: Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/QuantReasoning? ... irmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckAbfLAcPE8

BansalT · Answer

Hi experts 
In Q1. the primary purpose question How can we conclude that author is comparing the 2 theories?
IMO author discussed 2 theories and criticized them, but he didn't compare them anywhere.

GMATNinja · Answer

Question 1 
 
The two theories are compared in the second sentence of the passage: "Neither   quite explains the complexity of the tragic process or the tragic hero, but each explains important elements of tragedy, and, because their conclusions are contradictory, they represent extreme views."

The author thinks that they are comparable in that NEITHER explains the complexity of tragedy, and BOTH represent extreme views.

(A) is the correct answer to question 1.

I hope that helps!

There are two theories that have been used to explain ancient and mode

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There are two theories that have been used to explain ancient and mode

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