As a metaphor, the tragedy of the commons should not be taken too literally. The "tragedy" is not in the word's conventional or theatric sense, nor a condemnation of the processes that lead to it. Similarly, Hardin's use of "commons" has frequently been misunderstood, leading him to later remark that he should have titled his work "The Tragedy of the Unregulated Commons".
As a Metaphor, thE TrAgeDy OF the commOns shOULd noT Be tAKEn too liteRALly. thE "tRaGeDY" is nOt in the worD's coNventiOnal Or tHEatric sEnsE, NoR a conDeMNation OF tHE ProcEsseS thAT lead tO It. similarly, hardin'S USe oF "commOns" hAs FreqUEntly been misunderStood, leAdinG hiM To lAter remaRk THAT HE shouLD Have titled hiS wOrk "the TRaGedy of the uNreGULaTEd commOns".