The History of Literature 671 Shakespeare's Tragic Art (with Rhodri Lewis) | My Last Book with Joel Warner
Jan 20, 2025
Delve into the intricacies of Shakespeare's tragic art, exploring how he navigated personal and societal uncertainties. Discover his evolution from early works like 'Titus Andronicus' to the emotional depths of 'Romeo and Juliet'. Anecdotes intertwine with discussions on the complexities of secrecy and human experience. Enjoy reflections on the impact of tragedies like 'King Lear' and how they resonate with personal memories and relationships. Plus, hear about a unique last book choice that captures a lifelong love of literature.
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Listener's Family in Intelligence
- A listener's mother was an OSS recruit in 1942, beginning a 40-year government career.
- The listener's brother spoke 13 languages and was in Havana during Castro's rise, hinting at a possible intelligence career.
Shakespeare's Draw to Tragedy
- Shakespeare likely found tragedy more dignified than other dramatic genres.
- Though less commercially successful, he pursued it for artistic reasons, experimenting with existing tragic forms.
The Challenge of Tragedy
- Tragedy requires well-developed characters with depth (ethos), unlike comedies which rely on surface humor.
- Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus demonstrates his early struggle to create characters the audience cares about.
