Author Description
What do we mean by 'tragedy' in present-day usage? When we turn on the news, does a report of the latest atrocity have any connection with the masterpieces of Sophocles, Shakespeare and Racine? What has tragedy been made to mean by dramatists, story-tellers, critics, philosophers, politicians and journalists over the last two and a half millennia? Why do we still read, re-write, and stage these old plays? This book argues for the continuities between 'then' and 'now'. Addressing questions about belief, blame, mourning, revenge, pain, witnessing, timing and ending, Adrian Poole demonstrates the age-old significance of our attempts to make sense of terrible suffering. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the enduring definition and cultural significance of tragedy from its classical origins to contemporary usage. Adrian Poole, a professor of English literature, synthesizes two and a half millennia of dramatic, philosophical, and political discourse to argue for the persistent relevance of tragic forms in modern life. He examines how humanity continues to utilize the framework of tragedy to interpret suffering, blame, and mourning in an increasingly complex world.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical evolution of tragic theory from Sophocles to modern dramatists
- Analysis of thematic constants including revenge, timing, and ending
- Examination of how tragedy functions in modern journalism and political discourse
Scope Limits
- Does not provide a comprehensive history of every individual tragic play
- Does not offer a prescriptive guide for writing tragedy
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which manages to remain accessible for those new to the subject. It is widely regarded as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of classical literature and modern cultural interpretation.
Page Count:
148
Publication Date:
2005-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191577626
ISBN-13:
9780191577628
Drama
History
Philosophy
Non-Fiction
English
Dramatic works
English & College Success
Literary Criticism