Shakespeare's Tragedies

Why Tragedies, not Histories?

Why are Shakespeare's plays like Antony and Cleopatra, Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, and King Lear considered Tragedies, not Histories? Just like his Histories, these stories are set in real historical contexts.

The difference is that the Histories serve more as national myth-making, focusing on the history of the English monarchy, while the Tragedies focus on individual moral and psychological collapse, even when set in historical times.

The Plays

Antony and Cleopatra

The story of the destructive romance between Roman general Mark Antony and Egyptian queen Cleopatra, whose passionate affair leads to political conflict, military defeat, and ultimately their suicides after Antony abandons his Roman responsibilities and loyalties for love.

Coriolanus

Chronicles the downfall of a Roman general, Caius Marcius Coriolanus, whose contempt for common people and inability to compromise his principles leads to his banishment from Rome, alliance with his former enemies, and eventual assassination after he spares the city at his mother's request.

Hamlet

A tragedy about the Prince of Denmark, who seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius for murdering his father, taking the throne, and marrying his mother. As Hamlet grapples with betrayal, madness, and corruption, his quest for justice leads to the downfall of nearly everyone involved.

Julius Caesar

The story of the Roman leader’s assassination by a group of conspirators who fear his growing power, led by Brutus and Cassius. The play explores themes of loyalty, fate, and the consequences of political ambition, ultimately ending in civil war and tragedy for the conspirators.

King Lear

The story centers on an aging king who divides his kingdom among his daughters based on their flattery, only to be betrayed and driven to madness by the two he trusts most. The play explores themes of power, loyalty, justice, and the painful consequences of pride and poor judgment.

Macbeth

The story follows a Scottish general whose ambition is ignited by a prophecy and spurred on by his wife, leading him to murder the king and seize the throne. Consumed by guilt and paranoia, Macbeth descends into tyranny and madness, ultimately facing a bloody downfall.

Othello

The story follows a Scottish general whose ambition is ignited by a prophecy and spurred on by his wife, leading him to murder the king and seize the throne. Consumed by guilt and paranoia, Macbeth descends into tyranny and madness, ultimately facing a bloody downfall.

Romeo and Juliet

A tragic love story about two young lovers from feuding families whose secret romance ends in misunderstanding and death. Their deaths ultimately reconcile their warring families, but only after devastating loss.

Timon of Athens

A story of a wealthy and generous nobleman who is betrayed by false friends when he loses his fortune. Disillusioned, Timon retreats to the wilderness, cursing humanity and dying bitter and alone, in a dark exploration of greed, ingratitude, and isolation.

Titus Andronicus

A violent revenge tragedy in which a Roman general becomes entangled in a brutal cycle of vengeance with Tamora, Queen of the Goths. The play is marked by extreme brutality, ultimately leading to the ruin of nearly every major character.