Critics on Shakespeares Tragedy

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“Critique on Shakespearean Tragedy by A.C Bradley”

 Introduction:The topic ‘Shakespearean Tragedy’ is the most significant and discussed during 19 th and 20th century especially in the field of literary criticism. The reason was one the most significant and influential works on criticism on Shakespeare’s tragedies by one the most popular Shakespearean critic A.C. Bradley, whose work produced in 1904, containing his minute observation and thorough study.

 Critique on the essay:Bradley’s work can be seen in the context of the 19 th century’s interest in characterization but it has cast its shadow over 20th century approaches to the genera. So through Bradley’s analysis we can understand Shakespeare more clearly because he studied him through various perspectives. Bradley in his introduction put stress on the right way to read Shakespeare. In the words of Bradley “Our understanding and enjoyment of these works as dramas is as if an actor studying the parts, coupled with a process of comparison and analysis” So according to Bradley the right way to read Shakespeare is ‘process of comparison and analysis so for this purpose he identifies ‘Shakespearean Tragedy’ as represented by Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. After observing these four tragedies Bradley argues that “Tragic story concern primarily with one person, a tale of suffering and calamity conducting to death, unexpected and contrasted with previous happiness or glory.” So here he points out that tragedy primarily concern with tragic hero and because of his deeds or actions and it’s a story which leads him to his on fall as well as it affects the welfare of the whole nation or empire. Further he says that tragedy wouldn’t come in simple

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manner but it proceed mainly from the actions and those are actions of the hero. He rightly points out that
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