A. C. Bradley's Theory of Tragedy

A. C Bradley's Theory of Tragedy

• Argued that the conflict in Shakespeare's plays is primarily an internal struggle of the characters.
• Proposed that tragic heroes are burdened with fatal flaws, or “marked imperfections”, driving them to their downfall.
• Believed that tragedy, after catastrophe, leads to order, unity, and goodness, reinforcing a sense of virtue and goodness triumphing.

Criticism of Bradley's Analysis

• Critics criticized Bradley's optimistic viewpoint and rejection of the social and historical contexts of tragedy.
• Argued that viewing tragedies as merely a reflection of "fatal flaws" overlooks the complex interplay of social forces and political power.

Key Critical Questions

• Bradley raised key questions about King Lear, such as its effectiveness as a stage play, the credibility of its plot, and the justification of Cordelia's death.
• These questions became central in the development of critical approaches to the play throughout the 20th century.

Caroline Spurgeon's Image Analysis

• Spearheaded the examination of imagery patterns in Shakespeare's plays.
• Identified a dominant image of a "racked and tortured body" throughout King Lear, emphasizing the significance of animal imagery in creating horror and physical pain.
• Her work sparked further exploration of image clusters, such as those related to sight/blindness, madness/reason, and nature.

Political Criticism of King Lear

• This approach focuses on power, social structures, and the economic and social inequalities within the play.
• Suggests that the downfall of individuals in tragedy stems from political power and historical forces, rather than individual flaws.
• Interpreted King Lear as a portrayal of the clash between feudal structures and an emerging society of self-interested individuals.
• Views Edmund as representing the "new man" driven purely by individual ambition.

Marxist Critique

• Emphasizes the socio-economic context of Shakespeare's work.
• Interprets King Lear as reflecting the harsh realities of the Jacobean era, showcasing the ruthlessness and self-interest of the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Feminist Criticism of King Lear

• Challenges traditional male-dominated interpretations of Shakespeare's plays, aiming to achieve equality for women.
• Questions how gender roles shape women's lives and expose the societal disadvantages they face.
• Challenges sexism and the historical misrepresentation of women as inferior to men.

Performance History of King Lear

• The play has been staged numerous times since its creation.
• King Lear likely received a royal command performance at the Globe Theatre in 1606, coinciding with the feast of St. Stephen.
• Nahum Tate published a radically revised version in 1681, modifying the ending to emphasize the triumph of good over evil.
• Tate's adapted version dominated performances for over 150 years, replacing the tragic ending.
• The play has undergone various transitions in staging, from more extravagant sets in the Victorian era to simpler productions in the 20th century.

Explore A. C. Bradley's influential theory on tragedy, particularly in relation to Shakespeare's plays. This quiz delves into his arguments about internal struggles and tragic flaws, as well as criticisms of his optimistic viewpoint and contextual considerations. Test your understanding of the complexities in Bradley's analysis and its impact on modern critical approaches.