Tragic Form in Shakespeare

Ruth Nevo's Tragic Form in Shakespeare critiques traditional symbolist criticism, revealing a dynamic structure in Shakespeare's tragedies through detailed analysis.

In Tragic Form in Shakespeare, Ruth Nevo challenges the longstanding symbolist approach that has shaped Shakespearean criticism. She argues that this perspective, which emphasizes static and pictorial elements, has overshadowed the dynamic nature of dramatic expression inherent in Shakespeare's works. By focusing on the evolution of Shakespeare's tragic form, Nevo aims to restore balance to the discourse surrounding his plays.

Through meticulous analysis of each of Shakespeare's ten tragedies, Nevo identifies a characteristic structure that reveals a five-phased movement of discovery. This structure encompasses the essential elements of tragedy, unfolding in a sequence that includes predicament, psychomachia, peripeteia, perspectives of irony and pathos, and ultimately, catastrophe. Rather than a simplistic rise and fall, this movement is portrayed as a continuous and accumulative journey, reflecting the complexities of human experience.

Originally published in 1972, Tragic Form in Shakespeare has been made accessible once again through the Princeton Legacy Library. This initiative aims to preserve and present significant scholarly works, ensuring that readers can engage with the rich intellectual heritage of Princeton University Press. Nevo's study not only enhances our understanding of Shakespeare's tragic art but also invites readers to appreciate the intricate interplay of form and content in his plays.