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Shakespeare's Best Tragedies, pt 2

William Shakespeare, the poet and playwright, the mythic Bard of Avon. His plays have been translated into every major living language and they are performed more often than any playwright. He is called England's poet. And his body of work is extensive. His status as one of the most laureate writers of all time has also caused that his life is all but a mystery to scholars and literature academics. He wrote sonnets, narrative poems and a couple of comedies, but his most intriguing and luring work have undeniably been his tragedies. Topic of many discussions are which is the best one, there are really so many to choose from and they are all brilliant by themselves, but here we present to you our second part of the suggested list of Shakespeare's best tragedies.

5- Macbeth

"The Scottish Play" as called by actors, because it has been said that the play is cursed and no one is to mention its title. Believed to have been written between 1603 and 1606. It is frequently performed and is regarded as archetypal, the play tells of the dangers of the lust for power and the betrayal of friends. For the plot Shakespeare drew loosely on the historical account of "King Macbeth of Scotland" by Raphael Holinshed and that by the Scottish philosopher Hector Boece. Being a powerful play and its colorful story off-stage has made this tragedy on of the most notorious plays in theatre history.

4- Romeo and Juliet

Arguably the most popular of Shakespeare's plays. Written early in the career of Shakespeare this timeless story tells the tale of two young, teenage lovers whose tragic story ultimately unites their feuding families. Romeo and Juliet belongs to a tradition of tragic romances stretching back to antiquity. Its plot is based on an Italian tale, translated into verse as The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke in 1562 and retold in prose in Palace of Pleasure by William Painter in 1582. Shakespeare borrowed heavily from both but, to expand the plot, developed supporting characters, particularly Mercutio and Paris. Believed written between 1591 and 1595, the play was first published in a quarto version in 1597. This text was of poor quality, and later editions corrected it, bringing it more in line with Shakespeare's original.

3- King Lear

One might argue that Romeo and Juliet is a better play, although a valid argument, it is actually a case os misconception on popularity over quality. King Lear is undoubtedly one of Shakespeare's best plays. The title character slips into madness after foolishly disposing of his state between two of his three daughters based on their flattery, bringing tragic consequences for all. The play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king. It has been widely adapted for the stage and motion pictures, and the role of Lear has been coveted and played by many of the world's most accomplished actors. In some circles, this is considered as Shakespeare's best work.

2-Othello

This notorious tragedy is believed to have been written in 1603. The work revolves around four central characters: Othello, his wife Desdemona, his lieutenant Cassio and his trusted advisor Iago. It's central theme of manipulation, jealousy and betrayal, and how the evil plans of Iago unfold throughout the story resulting in the climactic tragic ending. Attesting to its enduring popularity, the play appeared in seven editions between 1622 and 1705. Because of its varied themes — racism, love, jealousy and betrayal — it remains relevant to the present day and is often performed in professional and community theaters alike. The play has also been the basis for numerous operatic, film and literary adaptations. Many still debate about the portrayal Shakespeare intended in this play, attesting the legacy and importance of the play

1-Hamlet

The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or more simply Hamlet, perhaps the best known of the Bard's writings. It is believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601. The tale if revenge, incest and corruption, is a powerful work of invaluable literary merit. based Hamlet on the legend of Amleth, preserved by 13th-century chronicler Saxo Grammaticus in his Gesta Danorum as subsequently retold by 16th-century scholar François de Belleforest. He may have also drawn on, or perhaps written, an earlier (hypothetical) Elizabethan play known today as the Ur-Hamlet. Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play and among the most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language. It has a story capable of 'seemingly endless retelling and adaptation by others.' During the Bard's lifetime, the play was one of his most popular works, and it still ranks high among his most-performed, topping, for example, what eventually became the Royal Shakespeare Company's list since 1879.