Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Character, Conflict, and Moral Ambiguity in Shakespeare's Great TragediesBy A. C. Bradley
Length12h 50m
About this audiobook
Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth is a landmark work of literary criticism that examines Shakespeare's four great tragedies through close attention to character, moral conflict, dramatic structure, and poetic atmosphere. Written in a lucid, elevated lecture style, the book belongs to the great tradition of Victorian and Edwardian humanist criticism, treating Shakespeare's tragic heroes as psychologically complex beings whose inward struggles shape the action. Bradley's readings remain especially influential for their sensitivity to ambiguity, motive, suffering, and the tragic collision between character and circumstance. A. C. Bradley, an Oxford scholar and Professor of Poetry, brought to Shakespearean criticism the disciplined habits of classical education, philosophical reflection, and dramatic sympathy. His academic career, shaped by the intellectual seriousness of late nineteenth-century Britain, encouraged a mode of criticism that sought not merely to explain plot but to illuminate the ethical and imaginative life of drama. His lectures reflect both pedagogical clarity and profound reverence for Shakespeare's art. This book is strongly recommended to readers seeking a foundational, intellectually rich encounter with Shakespearean tragedy. Students, teachers, actors, and general lovers of literature will find in Bradley a guide whose insights continue to provoke admiration, debate, and renewed reading.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 4.2 (1.3K)
Includes Goodreads, Amazon, LibraryThing
GenreLiterary Classics
Length12 hrs 50 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 12, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis (Selection)
4Historical Context
5PREFACE
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6NOTE TO SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT IMPRESSIONS
7INTRODUCTION
8LECTURE I
9THE SUBSTANCE OF SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY
10LECTURE II
11CONSTRUCTION IN SHAKESPEARE'S TRAGEDIES
12LECTURE III
13SHAKESPEARE'S TRAGIC PERIOD—HAMLET
14LECTURE IV
15HAMLET
16LECTURE V
17OTHELLO
18LECTURE VI
19OTHELLO
20LECTURE VII
21KING LEAR
22LECTURE VIII
23KING LEAR
24LECTURE IX
25MACBETH
26LECTURE X
27MACBETH
28NOTE A.
29EVENTS BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE ACTION IN HAMLET .
30NOTE B.
31WHERE WAS HAMLET AT THE TIME OF HIS FATHER'S DEATH?
32NOTE C.
33HAMLET'S AGE.
34NOTE D.
35'MY TABLES—MEET IT IS I SET IT DOWN.'
36NOTE E.
37THE GHOST IN THE CELLARAGE.
38NOTE F.
39THE PLAYER'S SPEECH IN HAMLET .
40NOTE G.
41HAMLET'S APOLOGY TO LAERTES.
42NOTE H.
43THE EXCHANGE OF RAPIERS.
44NOTE I.
45THE DURATION OF THE ACTION IN OTHELLO .
46NOTE J.
47THE 'ADDITIONS' TO OTHELLO IN THE FIRST FOLIO. THE PONTIC SEA.
48NOTE K.
49NOTE L.
50OTHELLO IN THE TEMPTATION SCENE.
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