The book approaches its subject chronologically, beginning with the ritualistic roots of ancient Greek tragedy and its formal structure.
It then explores the transformation of tragedy during the Renaissance, focusing on Shakespeare's reinterpretations, and examines the rise of domestic tragedy with middle-class protagonists.
Finally, the text analyzes the fragmentation of tragic form in the 20th and 21st centuries, considering the influence of modernism and social movements.
This evolution reveals that while superficial features change, the core function of tragedy remains: to explore the limits of human agency when facing overwhelming forces.
This study draws upon textual analysis, theatre history, and literary criticism, offering a unique perspective on tragedy's evolution.
It highlights the continuity of tragic themes, emphasizing the genre's enduring relevance and value to students, scholars, and general readers interested in dramatic literature and cultural history.