(A) The moment of protagonist’s recognition in a narrative → (III) Anagnorisis
Anagnorisis refers to the moment in a narrative, especially in tragedy, when the protagonist makes a critical discovery or recognition about their true situation, identity, or the nature of their relationship with other characters. This moment often leads to the climax of the story.
Example: In Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Oedipus experiences anagnorisis when he realizes that he himself is the murderer of his father and husband to his mother. This moment of revelation drives the tragic conclusion of the play.
(B) The decisive turn in tragedy by which the plot is resolved → (I) Catastrophe
Catastrophe is the final action in a narrative, particularly in tragedy, where the plot reaches its conclusion. It often involves the downfall or death of the protagonist, leading to the resolution of the story’s conflict. In classical tragedies, it is typically the final, disastrous turn of events.
Example: In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the catastrophe occurs when Macbeth is killed by Macduff, marking the tragic end of his tyrannical rule and the resolution of the play’s plot.
(C) The inversion of an already established sequence → (II) Chiasmus
Chiasmus is a rhetorical figure in which words, phrases, or concepts are repeated in reverse order to create a mirrored effect. It can be used to emphasize contrasts or to produce a balanced, reflective structure.
Example: A famous example of chiasmus is from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address:
"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."
(D) The figure by which something distasteful is described in less repugnant terms → (IV) Euphemism
Euphemism is the use of a mild or indirect word or expression to replace one that may be considered too harsh, blunt, or unpleasant. Euphemisms are often used to avoid offending the listener or to soften the impact of a distasteful or taboo subject.
Example: Instead of saying someone has "died," a euphemism would be to say they have "passed away." Another common example is referring to "going to the restroom" instead of saying "urinating" or "defecating."
Year-wise PYQs
