Born and raised in London, Charlie Chaplin was a comic genius of cinema but also a tragic hero. Chaplin spent his childhood in a children's home while his father was anonymous and his mother mentally ill. Unusual circumstances called for nothing but humor. With his eccentricity, Charlie Chaplin could participate in a show, first dancing then acting. Having moved to America as a child to pursue his acting career, Chaplin took the film industry by storm. Charlie Chaplin was certainly praised for producing glorious silent films, differing from orthodox political views, and accepting the events that occurred, presenting himself as the classic example of a tragic hero. Heroism is having valor, courage and daring. Tragedy is a calamity, misfortune and sorrow. A tragic hero is a virtuous character doomed to downfall. Charlie Chaplin was a virtuous soul, and at the height of his fame, Charlie Chaplin was the star of silent cinema, and he "enjoyed immediate success with American audiences" (Charlie Overview). Chaplin's success, which came in a short period of time, prompted companies to begin bidding for his services. His films from the 1930s and 1940s were true gems throughout his career (World). Almost at the top of the world, everyone loved Charlie Chaplin. He was the “All American Foreigner”. Society swallowed up everything he said and did. a case of what observers have called chaplinitis” (Maland). He was an idol in the eyes of citizens and of great fame in the eyes of critics. His films gained popularity. . middle of paper ...... women and children. After World War I, Charlie was accepted into countries where everything was forgiven. Fitting all the forms and characteristics of a tragic hero, that much is clear. that Charlie Chaplin is the perfect example. Works Cited “Charlie Chaplin: Overview of His Life”: Official website, May 20, 2014. » Charlie Chaplin, May 20, 2014. “Charlie Chaplin.” UXL Biographies. Detroit: U*X*L, 2003. Student Resources in Context. Internet. May 22, 2014. Maland, Charles J. “American National Biography Online: Chaplin, Charlie.” American National Biography Online: Chaplin, Charlie. Oxford University Press, 2003. web. May 22, 2014. Turk, Ruth. Charlie Chaplin: the genius of silent cinema. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 2000. Print. “World biography”. Biography of Charlie Chaplin. Np, and Web. May 22 2014.