What is Hubris?
Excessive pride or self-confidence leading to a character's downfall.
The Perils of Arrogance: Exploring the Consequences of Hubris in Creative Writing
Hubris, that fatal flaw of excessive pride and self-confidence, has been the undoing of countless literary characters throughout the ages.
From the ancient Greek hero Achilles to the doomed protagonists of Shakespearean tragedies, hubris has served as a powerful literary device for writers looking to explore the dangers of unchecked ego.
But hubris is not limited to fictional creations. In fact, it can be just as perilous for writers themselves. The amateur writer who believes they are the next Hemingway, the seasoned novelist who dismisses criticism as the work of jealous rivals, the poet who refuses to revise for fear of diminishing their genius - all are vulnerable to the siren song of hubris.
Yet, while hubris may bring about a character's downfall in literature, it need not be the end of a writer's journey. By recognizing the danger of arrogance and embracing humility, writers can not only avoid the tragic consequences of hubris, but also open themselves up to new ideas, techniques and perspectives.
Hubris, the excessive pride and overconfidence that leads to a character's downfall, has been a ubiquitous trope in literature throughout history.
Here are two examples from different genres and periods:
In this classic Greek tragedy, Oedipus the king is brought to ruin by his own hubris. His relentless pursuit of the truth about his identity and the murder of his predecessor blinds him to the consequences of his actions, leading ultimately to his own downfall.
In this seminal work of 20th century American drama, the protagonist Willy Loman is undone by his own pride and refusal to accept the realities of his situation. His desperate attempts to cling to the American Dream and the success he believes he deserves lead him to ruin, both personally and professionally.