Four Tragedies
Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth
Published on 24. April 2025
Book
Hardback
960 pages
978-0-241-72697-6 (ISBN)
Description
Shakespeare's four greatest tragedies - Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet and Othello - in a stunning Penguin Clothbound Classics edition
The theme of the great Shakespearean tragedies is a hero's fall from grace due to a fatal character flaw. Whether it is the ruthless ambition of Macbeth or the folly of Lear, the irresolution of Hamlet or the suspicion of Othello, the cause of the tragedy - even when it is the murder of a king - is trifling compared to the calamity that it unleashes. Despite their flawed natures, however, the tragic protagonists all have a nobility that emphasizes the greatness of humanity. From this paradox the audience is brought to a greater understanding of - and sympathy with - suffering.
The four tragedies in this collection are accompanied by notes and an introduction to each text.
The theme of the great Shakespearean tragedies is a hero's fall from grace due to a fatal character flaw. Whether it is the ruthless ambition of Macbeth or the folly of Lear, the irresolution of Hamlet or the suspicion of Othello, the cause of the tragedy - even when it is the murder of a king - is trifling compared to the calamity that it unleashes. Despite their flawed natures, however, the tragic protagonists all have a nobility that emphasizes the greatness of humanity. From this paradox the audience is brought to a greater understanding of - and sympathy with - suffering.
The four tragedies in this collection are accompanied by notes and an introduction to each text.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 54 mm
Weight
1094 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-72697-6 (9780241726976)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote about 38 plays (the precise number is uncertain), many of which are regarded as the most exceptional works of drama ever produced, including Romeo and Juliet (1595), Henry V (1599), Hamlet (1601), Othello (1604), King Lear (1606) and Macbeth (1606), as well as a collection of 154 sonnets, which number among the most profound and influential love poetry in English. Shakespeare died in Stratford in 1616.