Tragedy

The word "Tragedy" is a word that is over used and most often misused in our English language. We tend to think of everything bad as being tragic. Years ago while taking a course in literature I learned the true definition of tragedy.

The word goes all the way back to Greek mythology and is closely associated with theater. Here is the dictionary definition of the word.

• A serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that excites pity or terror.

Here is the way that my professor explained it to me. A tragedy is where the end is obvious and disastrous. Everyone knows it is going to happen but no one is capable of stopping it.

Jimmy's life fit the true definition of tragedy. Such is often the case for those who suffer from the diseases of alcoholism and depression. For many people alcoholism and depression is a superior force that leads them to a predictable destiny.

The word "protagonist" is a word that depicts the good guy in the play. The one who fights against the superior force. The protagonist is the one that everyone roots for and cheers for but ultimately in the end he loses.

In the saga of Jimmy's life he was the protagonist.

As we wade through the sea of emotions and try to bring closure to this event let's make sure that we blame the cause and not the protagonist who fought a valiant fight but ultimately lost.

One of the best tools for healing after a tragedy such is this is education. Go to the library and check out a couple of good books on the disease of alcoholism and depression. The more you understand about the disease the better you can relate to the person.

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