A. C. Bradley's Theory of Tragedy
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Questions and Answers

What does Bradley identify as the fundamental tragic trait in Shakespeare's plays?

  • A strong will to overcome fate
  • A joyful spirit broken by loss
  • A deep commitment to family values
  • A predisposition towards one-sidedness (correct)

    • Which of the following traits is NOT mentioned as a specific flaw of Shakespeare's tragic heroes?

  • Excessive simplicity
  • Irresolution
  • Arrogance (correct)
  • Pride

    • How does Bradley interpret the role of tragedy within the context of the plays?

  • As a pathway to restore order and goodness (correct)
  • As a representation of inevitable fate
  • As a lasting curse on the characters
  • As purely a showcase of human folly

    • What aspect of King Lear do modern critics challenge in Bradley's interpretation?

    <p>The notion of virtue triumphing in tragedy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character flaw is specifically attributed to Othello in Bradley's analysis?

    <p>Jealousy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception regarding character flaws in the tragedies is highlighted in the content?

    <p>A tragic hero only has one defining flaw</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested as contributing to Lear's tragedy beyond filial ingratitude?

    <p>His political misjudgment in dividing the kingdom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is Bradley's view of tragedy ultimately characterized?

    <p>As a mystical journey towards understanding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What central theme does Caroline Spurgeon identify in the imagery of King Lear?

    <p>A body racked and tortured</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following questions did Bradley pose regarding King Lear that continues to be significant in modern criticism?

    <p>Is the opening scene credible?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Bradley's criticism has fallen under scrutiny in modern times?

    <p>His focus solely on character analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What flaw in Spurgeon's work is noted in the content?

    <p>Narrow focus and bardolatry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the image clusters later critics emphasize in King Lear?

    <p>Sight and blindness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which critic used the concept of 'nature' to interpret the themes in King Lear?

    <p>John F Danby</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Spurgeon describe the animal imagery within King Lear?

    <p>To augment the sensation of horror</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue is suggested by the question, 'Is the play fundamentally pessimistic?' based on Bradley's analysis?

    <p>The underlying message of the narrative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of political criticism as described?

    <p>The economic and social roots of injustice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to political criticism, what ultimately causes tragedy?

    <p>Political power and historical forces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of King Lear, what does Lear's failure to understand the consequences of giving away power illustrate?

    <p>The dangers of political powerlessness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Kiernan Ryan attribute the shift in King Lear criticism to?

    <p>The discussion of political themes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'a dog's obeyed in office' signify in King Lear?

    <p>The arbitrary nature of social hierarchies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of society does J W Lever focus on in The Tragedy of State?

    <p>The societal structures and their impact on individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'the new man' in the context of King Lear?

    <p>An individual driven by self-interest and ambition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The idea that justice should correct inequality is reflected in which line from King Lear?

    <p>'So distribution should undo excess.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of society does Victor Kiernan argue Shakespeare's tragedies reflect?

    <p>The struggles of the poor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Kiernan interpret the harsh world depicted in King Lear?

    <p>As a portrayal of Jacobean ruthlessness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of feminist criticism?

    <p>To expose and challenge sexism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does feminist criticism reveal about historical views on women?

    <p>Women were portrayed as inferior and different</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who expressed the view that nature creates women to be weak and foolish?

    <p>John Knox</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What problem does feminist criticism highlight in traditional literary criticism?

    <p>Lack of representation of female authors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Kiernan suggest Shakespeare engages the audience with the poor?

    <p>By invoking their presence in the imagination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of societal change does Kiernan imply has affected the characters in King Lear?

    <p>They reflect contemporary selfishness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one possible reason the king requested a performance of this play?

    <p>It depicted the folly of dividing a kingdom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Nahum Tate's adaptation of King Lear differ from Shakespeare's original?

    <p>It ensured that good triumphed over evil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element of the original King Lear was omitted in Tate's version?

    <p>The tragic elements involving multiple deaths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common trend in Victorian productions of King Lear?

    <p>They included elaborate historical settings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one effect of Tate's adaptation on the history of performances of King Lear?

    <p>It became the only version staged for 150 years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character was notably brought back by William Charles Macready in his restoration?

    <p>The Fool</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the general reception of the original King Lear at the time of its performance?

    <p>It had only a few recorded performances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of King Lear's production changed significantly in the twentieth century?

    <p>Productions moved towards simpler stagings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    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.

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    Critical Approaches to King Lear PDF

    Description

    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.

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