The core question investigated is why the classical form of tragedy has failed to persist or evolve effectively within the modern era. George Steiner, a distinguished literary critic and polymath, utilizes his extensive knowledge of European literature and philosophy to argue that modern drama is fundamentally hampered by its inability to reconcile with the weight of classical tradition. He posits that the shift toward modern prose and secular rationalism has stripped contemporary playwrights of the metaphysical framework necessary to sustain the tragic vision.

Scholars and critics frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the decline of the tragic form in Western literature. Readers often note the dense, erudite nature of Steiner's prose, which requires a significant background in classical drama to fully appreciate his arguments.