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Andrew Cecil Bradley, a renowned Shakespearean scholar born in England in 1851, left an indelible mark on the field of Shakespearean criticism with his seminal work, "Shakespearean Tragedy," published in 1904. This book is celebrated as a cornerstone of Shakespearean scholarship, offering a profound psychological analysis of Shakespeare's characters. In this essay, we will delve into Bradley's definition of tragedy and the characteristics of the Shakespearean tragic hero, as elucidated in his article, "The Shakespearean Tragic Hero."
Bradley's exploration of tragedy begins with a meticulous examination of the tragic hero.
According to his analysis, the tragic hero must occupy a position of high social status or public importance and possess exceptional qualities that elevate them significantly above the average human level. This exceptional nature, while bestowing greatness upon the hero, also becomes the harbinger of their doom. It is a double-edged sword, both their strength and their fatal flaw.
Furthermore, Bradley emphasizes that the tragic hero must inherently be a figure of goodness or, at the very least, command admiration.
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Their nobility, virtue, or exceptional attributes must be acknowledged by society, reaffirming their elevated stature. It is through this inherent goodness that the audience can vividly grasp the potential of human nature, making the impending tragedy all the more poignant and resonant.
Tragedy, as Bradley sees it, unfolds as the hero grapples with calamity and confronts their inexorable fate. The hero's fate is inexorably intertwined with the existence of a moral order in the universe.
To restore this moral order in the face of a tragic world, the hero embarks on a profound struggle between the forces of good and evil.
In Shakespearean tragedies, Bradley notes that the tragic hero is inherently good, evoking immediate sympathy from the audience even in the midst of their errors. However, it is the hero's imperfections and flaws that introduce the element of evil into the narrative, fueling the central conflict and catalyzing the catastrophic denouement. When these inherent defects and weaknesses within the hero succumb to the overpowering influence of evil, it not only leads to their own downfall but also wreaks havoc upon those around them.
The complex interplay between good and evil in the tragic hero's character and actions serves as the crucible of tragedy. It is this very conflict that engenders the emotions of pity and fear within the audience, emotions that lie at the heart of the tragic experience. The audience's profound sense of sadness and mystery, coupled with the impression of waste, becomes a poignant reminder of the intrinsic value of that which has been lost.
As Bradley meticulously unravels the essence of tragedy, he arrives at a profound conclusion. Tragedy, in his view, is the inexplicable manifestation of a world striving relentlessly for perfection. In this arduous journey towards perfection, the world births both glorious virtues and profound evils. However, it is the struggle against these inherent evils, often culminating in self-torment and self-destruction, that epitomizes the essence of tragedy.
The tragedy, as Bradley posits, lies in the profound paradox of a world where the pursuit of perfection begets both magnificent goodness and malevolent evil. It is a world where the hero's inner conflict, the clash between their inherent goodness and tragic flaws, results in a cataclysmic outcome. This outcome, replete with its evocation of pity, fear, sadness, and waste, serves as a poignant testament to the inherent worth of that which is lost in the crucible of tragedy.
In conclusion, A.C. Bradley's exploration of the Shakespearean tragic hero and the nature of tragedy itself has left an indelible mark on the realm of Shakespearean scholarship. His meticulous analysis has illuminated the profound complexities of human nature, morality, and the inexorable forces that underpin tragic narratives. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of Shakespearean dramas, Bradley's insights continue to serve as a guiding beacon, enriching our understanding of the timeless allure of tragedy.
A.C. Bradley's Perspective on the Tragic Hero in Shakespearean Drama. (2016, Aug 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/a-c-bradleys-definition-of-tragic-hero-essay
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