Tragedy (event)
A tragedy is an event of great loss, usually of human life. Such an event is said to be tragic. Traditionally, the event would require "some element of moral failure, some flaw in character, or some extraordinary combination of elements"[1] to be tragic.
Not every death is considered a tragedy. Rather, it is a precise set of symptoms surrounding the loss that define it as such.[2] There are a variety of factors that define a death as tragic.
An event in which a massive number of deaths occur may be seen as a tragedy. This can be re-enforced by media attention or other public outcry.[3]
A tragedy does not necessarily involve massive death. The death of a single person, e.g., a public figure or a child, may be seen as a tragedy.[3] The person need not necessarily have been famous before death.
Dealing with tragedy[edit]
There are various ways tragedy can affect and influence people long after the event occurs.
The typical reaction to tragedy is heavy grief, followed by a slow recovery. Common feelings following a tragedy include sadness, depression, crying, blame, and guilt.[11] Some people wonder what they did to deserve such suffering.[12]
For some, their faith may be a source of comfort in the wake of tragedy.[13]