Should I fake a personal tragedy to get an A in my class?
Probably should not. Why would that even affect your grade?
My professor says "No one can reach great heights without first climbing the depths of despair" so I think they would give me a good grade because of it.
Thats a pretty weird way to go about it but I guess I understand. More importantly even if it does work you would be taking advantage of him and that's not okay. Taking advantage of peoples kindnesses will eventually come back to bite you.
It will pay off big time. I know my professor so well.
Even if it is what he intended, you shouldn't take advantage of his kindness by lying to him. He will be hurt and have a hard time trusting people.