Anagnorisis is a literary device, particularly in tragedy, referring to the moment of critical discovery or recognition, usually when a character realizes a truth about themselves, another character, or their situation. It often leads to a turning point in the story.
✅ Definition:
A moment in a narrative where a character gains crucial knowledge or insight that changes their understanding of events, themselves, or others.
✅ Example:
- In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Oedipus realizes that he has unwittingly did away with his father and married his mother. This moment of recognition is his anagnorisis, which triggers the tragic consequences.
Another simpler example:
- In a mystery novel, a detective suddenly recognizes the butler as the true culprit after noticing a subtle clue he had previously overlooked.
And there it is! Now go ahead and use anagnorisis in your CXC prep/CSEC prep.
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