A comprehensive introduction to tragedy, designed for advanced level students. It provides clear explanations of key concepts in tragedy and changing ideas about tragedy over time, from classical theories and Renaissance thinking through to modern interpretations.
The text includes short extracts from criticism, a glossary of terms and questions to provoke reflection on the way plays use the tragic form.
There are short introductions to broad periods and contexts – Greek and Renaissance tragedy, European playwrights of the late 19th century, modern American, British and Irish tragedy – as well as accounts of the work of significant playwrights, including Sophocles, Shakespeare, Webster, Marlowe, Ibsen, Beckett, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and Brian Friel.Resource type: Paperback
'Sparky, nicely written and, in spite of its terrific scope, aesthetically engaged with a feast of vivid examples. Go and get your copy right away!'
Ewan Fernie, Reader in English, Royal Holloway
'An invaluable A Level resource; accessible and informative for all students.'
Aisha Begum, Seven Kings High School