Description
Book SynopsisWhat do we mean by ''tragedy'' in present-day usage? When we turn on the news, does a report of the latest atrocity have any connection with the masterpieces of Sophocles, Shakespeare and Racine? What has tragedy been made to mean by dramatists, story-tellers, critics, philosophers, politicians and journalists over the last two and a half millennia? Why do we still read, re-write, and stage these old plays? This book argues for the continuities between ''then'' and ''now''. Addressing questions about belief, blame, mourning, revenge, pain, witnessing, timing and ending, Adrian Poole demonstrates the age-old significance of our attempts to make sense of terrible suffering.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Trade Review'Oxford's always stimulating Very Short Introductions series.' * Independent on Sunday *
Table of Contents1. Who needs it? ; 2. Once upon a time ; 3. The living dead ; 4. Who's to blame? ; 5. Big ideas ; 6. No laughing matter ; 7. Words, words, words ; 8. Good timing ; 9. Pain and gain
