"The spanish tragedy" by Thomas kyd: summary and analysis

 

"The Spanish Tragedy" is a play written by Thomas Kyd in the late 16th century, and is considered to be one of the most important works of the Elizabethan period. The play is a revenge tragedy, and tells the story of the Spanish prince, Hieronimo, who seeks revenge for the murder of his son, Horatio.

The play opens with the ghost of Don Andrea, a Spanish nobleman who has been killed in battle by the Portuguese, speaking to the audience. He tells the story of his death and how he was betrayed by Balthazar, the son of the Portuguese viceroy. The ghost also reveals that he has been denied a proper burial, and he begs for revenge.

In the next scene, Hieronimo is introduced as a respected and loyal member of the Spanish court. He is devastated by the news of his son Horatio's death, who had been sent to fight against the Portuguese. Hieronimo becomes increasingly consumed by grief and anger, and starts to plot his revenge against Balthazar.

As the play progresses, Hieronimo becomes increasingly unstable, and his plan for revenge becomes more elaborate. He stages a play, which is actually a reenactment of his son's murder, and invites Balthazar to watch. During the performance, Hieronimo stabs Balthazar, killing him.

In the final scene, Hieronimo is confronted by the Spanish king and his court, who demand an explanation for his actions. Hieronimo defends himself by explaining the plot against him, and reveals the evidence that Balthazar was the one responsible for Horatio's death. The king is moved by Hieronimo's grief, and offers him forgiveness and a chance to live in peace.

Overall, "The Spanish Tragedy" is a play about revenge and the consequences of seeking it. It explores themes such as grief, justice, and the corrupting nature of revenge. Kyd's use of language and dramatic devices, such as the ghost of Don Andrea and the play within the play, help to create a haunting and powerful play that still resonates with audiences today.