This work investigates how Shakespeare synthesized the classical Graeco-Roman heroic tradition with the Christian concept of the saint to redefine the nature of the tragic hero. Reuben A. Brower, a distinguished scholar of comparative literature, utilizes a rigorous close-reading methodology to analyze Shakespeare's engagement with Homer, Virgil, and Ovid. He argues that Shakespeare’s characters are not mere imitations of classical archetypes but are complex figures who navigate the tension between pagan glory and moral transcendence. By examining the linguistic and structural echoes of antiquity within the plays, Brower establishes a framework for understanding the evolution of the Shakespearean protagonist.

Scholars frequently cite this text as a foundational study for understanding the intersection of classical influence and Shakespearean characterization. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which assumes a high level of familiarity with both the Shakespearean canon and classical literature.