The Birth of English Tragedy

About this course

The course traces the development of English tragedy from mid-Tudor influences to the commercial theatre of the late sixteenth century. It examines Thomas Kyd’s revenge tragedy, Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine and Arden of Faversham, a drama of domestic crime, considering how historical events, earlier literature and theatrical conventions shaped them. Teaching combines tutor presentations with small-group and whole-class discussion. Participants study key passages and explore concepts including source adaptation, intertextuality, metatheatre, genre hybridity, macabre humour and public performance. Guided reading materials support preparation and discussion of the complete plays.

What you'll learn

• Analyse how historical sources, Tudor theatre and contemporary events inform the three tragedies
• Examine different forms of tragedy and their representations of individual and collective experience
• Identify dramatic techniques used to depict society, customs and politics
• Discuss the relationship between tragedy, comedy and chronicle in early English drama

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for Improver-level learners, with some experience of studying dramatic literature described as useful. Participation involves considering different interpretations, listening to other learners and contributing to group and whole-class discussion. Preparation includes reading the three plays in full, alongside selected passages and guided support materials.

• Some prior study of dramatic literature would be useful
• Requires substantial reading outside class, including three complete plays
• Includes both small-group and whole-class discussion

Before you go

• Participants need to borrow or buy editions of Thomas Kyd’s The Spanish Tragedy, Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine Parts One and Two, and the anonymous Arden of Faversham.
• Further extracts and guided reading support materials are provided in advance.