Genre
Literary Criticism
Setting and Context
This text analyses a number of Shakespeare's plays, which have a number of different settings. For example, Bradley discusses the dark settings of Macbeth.
Narrator and Point of View
This text is written from the perspective of A.C Bradley, a renowned literary critic.
Tone and Mood
Bradley has been praised for the informatic yet lyrical tone of this piece.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Bradley analyses a number of Shakespeare's tragic protagonists, and antagonists such as the Witches in Macbeth.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of this text is trying to gain an understanding of the tragic genre.
Climax
This text does not contain a climax as such, as it does not follow a narrative structure. This being said, each essay has its own moments of climax. For example, one climax might be when Bradley is discussing the role of the Witches in Macbeth.
Foreshadowing
In the first chapters, Bradley foreshadows what he will be discussing about each of the plays individually.
Understatement
Bradley argues that many critics understand the meaning of the Witches in Macbeth.
Allusions
Bradley alludes to Paradise Lost, an epic poem written by John Milton.
Imagery
Imagery is used to describe the darkness in Macbeth, including the many scenes that take place at night.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
Bradley compares and contrasts Macbeth and Hamlet. For example, he points out the fact that both plays contain supernatural elements.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
"The crown" is used as a metonym for the power of the monarchy.
Personification
N/A
