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The Short Story Of Richard Van Camp

Decent Essays

A tragedy in its own right must evoke emotion and a response from the audience through effective use of several elements evident in Shakespeare’s and Aristotle’s style of tragic writing. The plot progression of a tragedy should be rather specific under the idea which leads, ultimately, to the downfall of the protagonist. Despite the sorrowful story behind Richard Van Camp’s short story “Mermaids,” the exclusion of several core elements from both styles of writing prevent this piece from being classified a tragedy. “Mermaids” lacked the development of a tragic flaw in the main character, Torchy, and furthermore did not lead the character to their tragic demise, Van Camp also excluded the idea of isolating him over time and rather brought him closer to those around him to get over his inner conflict, which is unlike a tragedy. A central character in a tragic piece of writing should develop in a way where they are lead [ushered] to their demise due to a critical flaw, which is caused by the inability to solve an inner conflict. Torchy was found to be at a rather low point in his life evident by his use of drugs and his gambling issues. Despite these vices, he does not allow it to destroy him. His relationship with the young girl, Stephanie, who was neglected by her parents, allowed him to reflect on his past particularly after his brother’s death. “ ‘[M]y daddy’s gone,’ she says... ‘I’ll be your sister… if you’ll be my brother’... I start to cry”(Van Camp 5). This section

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