Shakespeare（1564-1616）lived in the transition period from feudal society to capitalistic society. The greatest of all English authors, William Shakespeare belongs to one of those rare geniuses of mankind who have become landmarks in the history of world culture. Meanwhile the works of William Shakespeare are a great landmark in the history of world literature. Tragedies, especially the four great tragedies, stand for his greatest contribution.
In Hamlet, the hero is rational and his plan is in-depth, but he always can’t put his ideas into actions. In Othello, the hero Othello is a brave hero. He loves and is loved. He always trusts others. From the characters in King Lear, we can see the depth and width of life the work reflects. King Lear’s tragedy goes through the whole work. Macbeth is the finally completed and the shortest of the four. It is famous for its quick development. Every role and every story in Shakespeare’s tragedy world based on the four great tragedies make our heart and soul moving. Through analyzing the characters of the four great tragedies, this article tells people how to choose the right destination when they are facing sufferings and ridicule of life. And from them we can find the right way to live and act.
Abstract......................................................................I
Key Words.....................................................................I
摘要..........................................................................II
关键词........................................................................II
Introduction..................................................................1
I. The Four Great Tragedies’ Heroes’ Analysis...............................2
A. A Tragic Hero－Hamlet......................................................2
B. Victim of Credulity－Othello...............................................4
C. A Tragic King Created by Power－Lear.......................................6
D. Tragedy Caused by Ambition－Macbeth........................................7
II. The Influence Elements of the Four Great Tragedies’ Accomplishment.......9
The Living Experience.........................................................9
The Social Background.........................................................10
III. The Revelation of the Tragedy Works......................................11
Conclusion....................................................................12
Acknowledgements..............................................................13
Bibliography..................................................................14
