On the Tragedies of Shakspere - Classic Text | Alexandria
On the Tragedies of Shakspere (1811) stands as one of Charles Lamb's most influential critical essays, fundamentally challenging contemporary theatrical conventions and establishing a new framework for appreciating Shakespeare's dramatic works through reading rather than performance. This seminal work, first published in The Reflector, represents a pivotal moment in Shakespearean criticism and theatrical theory.
The essay emerged during a period of significant transformation in English theatre, when Romantic sensibilities were reshaping artistic expression and theatrical presentation. Lamb, writing amid the elaborate staging practices of the early 19th century, argued passionately that Shakespeare's greatest tragedies—particularly "King Lear," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth"—achieved their fullest realization not on stage but in the imagination of the reader. His controversial assertion that certain aspects of Shakespeare's genius were "impossible to be represented on a stage" sparked intense debate among theatrical practitioners and literary critics alike.
Lamb's argument centered on the distinction between what he termed the "visible" and "invisible" elements of tragedy. He contended that the physical limitations of theatrical performance inevitably diminished the sublime qualities of Shakespeare's philosophical soliloquies and supernatural elements. The essay's unique perspective was informed by Lamb's own experiences as a theater enthusiast and his deep appreciation for the power of individual reading, influenced by his position as a clerk at the East India Company and his role within London's literary circles.
The essay's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of Shakespeare adaptation and performance theory. Its central thesis—that some literary works resist full theatrical representation—has influenced generations of critics and artists grappling with the relationship between text and performance. Modern productions often engage, either consciously or unconsciously, with Lamb's observations about the challenges of staging Shakespeare's more metaphysical elements. The essay remains a touchstone for debates about the nature of theatrical representation and the unique power of imaginative reading, raising enduring questions about how we experience and interpret dramatic literature in different mediums.
This pioneering work demonstrates Lamb's distinctive contribution to Romantic criticism and his enduring influence on the way we approach both Shakespearean tragedy and the broader relationship between literature and performance. Its insights continue to challenge and inspire readers, scholars, and theatrical practitioners in their engagement with Shakespeare's works.