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When did the dramatic form of tragedy originate?

The dramatic form of tragedy dates back to the fifth century B.C., when Greeks held religious festivals to honor Dionysus, the god of fertility, wine, and drama. The earliest tragedies consisted of four successive plays (three tragedies and one comedy) in which mythical heroes and heroines were overcome by obstacles and met with catastrophe. Besides providing entertainment, these tragedies enabled spectators to experience catharsis (purging of pity and fear).

Some of the famous ancient tragedies include Oresteia by Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.), who is credited with inventing tragedy; Oedipus Rex by Sophocles (496–406 B.C.); and Medea and Trojan Women by Euripides (c. 484–406 B.C.). Tragedies by the famous English dramatist William Shakespeare (1564–1616) draw upon the works of Roman statesman and playwright Seneca (4...

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