Aristotle's definition of tragedy says that the story in question should evoke both pity and fear in the reader. The tragic character must be one who is highly renowned and prosperous. This character must also have a fall from glory. He doesn't have to die, but must have a fall from glory caused by his own fatal flaw. Two stories, which fit this definition, are The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, and The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
             In The Awakening, Edna Pontellier dies because of her tragic flaw. Her tragic flaw is wanting to be free, and she does everything possible to achieve this. Mrs. Pontellier and her family are very well regarded. Mr. Pontellier supports her and the family very well, and everyone believes him to be the perfect husband. But Edna isn't happy. She doesn't want to have to conform to being the perfect mother, perfect wife, and a perfect lady. She wants to be her own woman. This is what brings about her downfall.
             Her life had become very repetitious and boring. "...As we walk, move, sit, stand, go through the daily treadmill of the life which has been portioned out to us" The treadmill is symbolic of a dream, and her life. She doesnt have to think to go through her life, it's too repetitious. She is going nowhere in life, just as you go nowhere on a treadmill.
             Edna starts to free herself form her marriage, and her life. She starts to do all the things she wants to. She has Robert teach her how to swim. She doesnt listen to Mr. Pontellier when he requests her to come inside. In fact she stands up to him.
             When he tells her to come in she responds with "Don't speak to me like that again; I shall not answer you." She is standing up for herself. She winds up falling in love with Robert, and she eventually moves out of the Pontellier house, and moves into her own house, and lives there alone. She does everything she can to be free.
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