Achilles' Choice

Exploring the evolution of tragedy over the last two centuries, David Lenson highlights how significant literary figures like Kleist, Goethe, Melville, Yeats, and Faulkner contribute to a broader understanding of the tragic tradition beyond traditional drama. He argues that tragedy persists in various forms, including the novel and lyric poetry, challenging the notion that creative practice has diminished. Lenson's analysis reveals the ongoing relevance and adaptation of tragic themes in diverse literary genres.