63 pages • 2 hours read
The Spanish Tragedy
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Book Brief
100
Play • Fiction
Spain • 16th Century
1587
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd is an Elizabethan revenge tragedy that begins with Horatio and Lorenzo disputing credit for capturing Balthazar, a Portuguese prince taken hostage after a significant battle. As tensions rise, Bel-imperia, who loved Andrea—killed by Balthazar—falls for Horatio. Following treachery and murder orchestrated by Lorenzo and Balthazar, Horatio's father, Hieronimo, enacts a brutal revenge plot involving a play-within-a-play, culminating in multiple deaths and his own suicide. The characters of Revenge and the ghost of Andrea oversee the events, revealing the consequences of moral actions beyond the immediate story. The play includes graphic violence, murder, and suicide.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
8,137 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd is widely praised for its influential role in early Elizabethan drama. Critics commend its compelling plot and rich language, while some note its melodramatic elements and complex revenge themes may not appeal to all modern readers. Overall, it remains an essential read for those interested in the origins of revenge tragedy.
Who Should Read The Spanish Tragedy?
The ideal reader for Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy enjoys Elizabethan drama rich in revenge, intrigue, and psychological depth. Fans of Shakespeare's Hamlet or Marlowe's Doctor Faustus will appreciate the complex characters and dark themes. This reader seeks classic works exploring morality, justice, and human emotion.
8,137 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bel-Imperia
Bel-Imperia
The daughter of the Duke of Castile and a central female character involved in the play's romantic and political intrigues, who is known for her intelligence and ability to conceal her true intentions.
Andrea
Andrea
A Spanish knight who fought in battle and was killed; he appears as a ghost observing the events of the play alongside the spirit of Revenge.
Lorenzo
Lorenzo
A prominent and cunning figure in the Spanish court, he is the son of the Duke of Castile and brother to Bel-Imperia, often engaged in deceitful schemes to advance his political ambitions.
Balthazar
Balthazar
The Prince of Portugal, captured in the battle between Spain and Portugal, becomes entangled in the Spanish court's political alliances and personal rivalries.
Horatio
Horatio
The son of Hieronimo, celebrated for his valiant efforts in battle and serving as a devoted friend to Andrea, whose untimely death profoundly affects the narrative.
Pedringano
Pedringano
A servant in the household of the Duke of Castile, known for changing allegiances and involvement in nefarious activities within the court.
Revenge
Revenge
A supernatural figure accompanying Andrea, tasked with overseeing the unfolding events and representing the theme of vengeance within the narrative.
100
Play • Fiction
Spain • 16th Century
1587
Adult
18+ years
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