According to Hegel, what must tragedy involve?

In Hegel's philosophy, tragedy fundamentally stems from conflicts of values or rights that are deeply rooted in human experience. He posits that a tragedy is not merely a tale of misfortune but rather an exploration of opposing ethical principles or values that lead to a situation where a character must confront unavoidable choices. This inherent conflict creates a dramatic tension that is essential to tragedy, as it highlights the complexities of moral reasoning and the struggles individuals face when confronted with competing duties or rights.

The significant aspect of Hegel's view on tragedy is that it reveals the limitations of the characters in their respective ethical frameworks, showcasing how even virtuous actions can lead to tragic outcomes due to the impossibility of reconciling conflicting values. By emphasizing this conflict, Hegel illustrates that tragedy is not just about individual suffering but also about the larger philosophical questions regarding ethics and the human condition.