The theme of the great Shakespearean tragedies is the fall from grace of a great man due to a flaw in his nature.Whether it is the ruthless ambition of Macbeth or the folly of Lear, the irresolution of Hamlet or the suspicion of Othello, the cause of the tragedy - even when it is the murder of a king - is trifling compared to the calamity that it unleashes.Despite his flawed nature, however, the tragic hero has a nobility that emphasizes the greatness of man.From this paradox the audience is brought to a greater understanding of - and sympathy with - suffering.The four tragedies in this collection are accompanied by notes and an introduction to each text, making this edition of particular value to students and theatre-goers.