anagnorisis Definition
the moment in a play or other work when a character recognizes the true nature of their own situation, often after a period of ignorance or confusion.
Using anagnorisis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anagnorisis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The anagnorisis in Oedipus Rex occurs when Oedipus realizes that he has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother.
Example
The anagnorisis in The Sixth Sense occurs when the main character realizes that he has been dead the whole time.
Example
The anagnorisis in Pride and Prejudice occurs when Elizabeth realizes that she has misjudged Mr. Darcy.
Origins of anagnorisis
from Greek 'anagnōrisis', from 'anagnōrizein' meaning 'to recognize'
Summary: anagnorisis in Brief
'Anagnorisis' [anəɡˈnɒrɪsɪs] is a literary term that refers to the moment in a play or other work when a character recognizes the true nature of their own situation, often after a period of ignorance or confusion. Examples include Oedipus realizing he has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, the main character in The Sixth Sense realizing he has been dead the whole time, and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice realizing she has misjudged Mr. Darcy.
