The Spanish Tragedy

The Spanish Tragedy, written and performed between 1587 and 1590, is an Elizabethan revenge tragedy by Thomas Kyd. The play explores the dilemmas of Hieronimo, who plots for revenge after his son Horatio is murdered. Surrounded by the intrigue and deception of the Spanish court, Hieronimo’s quest raises questions about the nature of justice and the profound impacts of grief and loss. The Spanish Tragedy was a huge hit for Kyd’s audiences, performed at least 29 times between 1592 and 1597. It is considered to be one of the first mature Elizabethan dramas and a definitive example of revenge tragedy, influencing later additions to the genre such as William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus. 

This guide refers to a modern spelling edition of the 1602 quarto transcribed by Barboura Flues, which is available in the public domain. 

Content Warning: This guide describes and analyzes the source text’s depiction of violence, murder, self-harm, and death by suicide. 

Language Note: The source text includes antiquated and offensive depictions of mental health conditions. The text also engages with literary traditions that rely on poetic (i.