genretragedy

Genretragedy refers to a narrative or dramatic mode that blends recognizable genre conventions with tragic outcomes, using the expectations of a genre to drive or constrain a tragedy, or subverting them to reveal underlying costs.

Characteristics include adherence to genre-specific plot mechanisms (crime, romance, quest, science fiction) that culminate in tragedy or morally ambiguous endings; a focus on the consequences of pursuing genre-based goals; heightened emotion; and often meta-awareness about genre itself.

Origins and usage: the term appears in contemporary literary and film criticism as a lens rather than a rigid category, drawing on postmodern and deconstructive criticism; it is used to analyze works that test or critique the promises of a popular genre while maintaining its formal features.

Context and impact: genretragedy is used to discuss narrative strategy in novels, films, and stage plays; it helps explain why certain works feel both comforting and destabilizing by combining familiar tropes with tragedy; reception varies; some view it as a productive analytical tool, others caution about vagueness.

See also: tragedy, melodrama, genre theory, deconstruction.