A C Bradley's The Substance of Shakespearean Tragedy

Summary

This vlog explores the depth of Shakespeare's tragedies through the lens of literary scholar A.C. Bradley. It delves into the psychological and character-driven approach of Shakespeare's works, revealing the internal conflicts and tragic flaws of his characters. Bradley's analysis emphasizes the substance of tragedy, the role of fate, and the profound impact on the human condition, inviting viewers to engage with the timeless themes of Shakespeare's plays.

Takeaways

• 📚 Andrew Cecil Bradley is a renowned English literary scholar whose work has significantly impacted literary criticism.
• 🎓 Bradley's academic career began at Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied and later became a fellow.
• 📖 'Shakespearean Tragedy', published in 1904, is Bradley's magnum opus, introducing a psychological approach to Shakespeare's tragedies.
• 🔍 Bradley's analysis focuses on the internal conflicts and tragic flaws of Shakespeare's characters, going beyond surface narratives.
• 📚 In 'Oxford Lectures on Poetry', Bradley showcased his broad knowledge of various poets and poetic forms.
• 👨‍🏫 Bradley's tenure as a professor at Oxford was influential in shaping academic discourse on English literature.
• 🌟 Bradley emphasized psychological insight and nuanced character analysis, leaving a lasting impact on the study of Shakespeare.
• 🤔 The script poses questions about the substance of Shakespearean tragedy and how it transcends form and differences between tragedies.
• 🎭 The script discusses the role of the hero and heroine in Shakespearean tragedy, and the significance of the hero's death.
• 😢 Pity is a key tragic emotion in Shakespeare's works, with its focus varying between the hero and minor characters.

Q & A

What was Andrew Cecil Bradley's significant contribution to Shakespearean literary criticism?

Andrew Cecil Bradley introduced a groundbreaking psychological and character-driven approach to understanding Shakespeare's tragedies, focusing on the internal conflicts and tragic flaws of the protagonists rather than merely examining external events.

How did Bradley's approach to Shakespeare's tragedies differ from previous methods of literary criticism?

Bradley's approach illuminated the internal conflicts and tragic flaws of Shakespeare's characters, revealing the depth of character portrayals that went beyond surface narratives, which was a departure from previous methods that focused more on external events.

What is the significance of Bradley's work 'Shakespearean Tragedy' in the context of literary criticism?

Bradley's 'Shakespearean Tragedy' marked a watershed moment in literary criticism by introducing a new way of understanding tragedies that focused on the psychological aspects and character development, which was a significant shift from prior methods.

What is the central theme of Bradley's analysis of Shakespeare's tragedies?

The central theme of Bradley's analysis is the exploration of the substance beneath the surface of Shakespeare's works, focusing on the internal struggles, tragic flaws, and the depth of character portrayals that define the essence of Shakespearean tragedy.

How does Bradley's analysis of Shakespeare's tragedies contribute to the broader field of literary criticism?

Bradley's analysis contributes to the broader field of literary criticism by emphasizing the importance of psychological insight and nuanced character analysis, which has left a lasting imprint on the study of not only Shakespeare but also the broader field of literary criticism.

What is the concept of 'substance' in the context of Shakespearean tragedy as discussed by Bradley?

In the context of Shakespearean tragedy, 'substance' refers to the rich and intricate exploration of human character and experience that defines the essence of the tragedies, transcending mere tales of sorrow to profound examinations of the human condition.

How does Bradley view the role of the tragic hero in Shakespeare's plays?

Bradley views the tragic hero as a central figure whose internal struggles and conflicts, both with external forces and within their own soul, drive the narrative towards catastrophe and embody the essence of greatness and fatal flaws.

What is the difference between 'poetic justice' and the portrayal of tragedy in Shakespeare's works as per Bradley?

While 'poetic justice' suggests that outcomes align with the merits of the characters, Bradley argues that Shakespeare's tragedies depict a more complex reality where actions and their consequences are profoundly connected, often leading to outcomes that are not simply a matter of justice or merit.

How does Bradley interpret the role of fate in Shakespearean tragedy?

Bradley interprets fate in Shakespearean tragedy as a force that shapes the consequences of human actions, often leading to outcomes that are the opposite of the intended purpose, suggesting a profound transformation of actions into unintended consequences.

What are the key elements that Bradley identifies as shaping the narrative in Shakespearean tragedy?

Bradley identifies key elements such as abnormal conditions of mind, supernatural elements, and chance or accident as shaping the narrative in Shakespearean tragedy, in addition to the actions and character of the individuals involved.

How does Bradley's analysis of Shakespeare's tragedies invite readers to engage with the works?

Bradley's analysis invites readers to engage with Shakespeare's tragedies not as mere stories but as profound reflections on the human soul, encouraging a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the complexities of the human psyche and experience.