The Spanish Tragedy (Thomas Kyd)

 About the Author:

Thomas Kyd (baptised 6 November 1558; buried 15 August 1594) was an English playwright, the author of "The Spanish Tragedy", and one of the most important figures in the development of Elizabethan drama. He established the revenge tragedy genre on the English stage with his play, "The Spanish Tragedy." This play, written between 1582 and 1592, is a prime example of the genre, featuring a vengeful protagonist, violent acts, and themes of justice, deception, and retribution.
Characters

Hieronimo – Knight Marshal of Spain; father of Horatio;

Horatio – Son of Hieronimo; secretly loves Bel-Imperia;

Bel-Imperia – A noblewoman; once loved Don Andrea, later in love with Horatio

Don Andrea – A Spanish nobleman killed in battle by Balthazar; appears as a ghost

Revenge – An allegorical figure who accompanies Don Andrea’s ghost,

Lorenzo – Brother of Bel-Imperia;

Balthazar – Prince of Portugal; kills Andrea in battle

The King of Spain – Ruler of Spain; father of Castile and uncle of Lorenzo and Bel-Imperia.

The Viceroy of Portugal – Ruler of Portugal; father of Balthazar.

The Duke of Castile – Brother to the King of Spain; father of Lorenzo and Bel-Imperia.

Isabella – Wife of Hieronimo and mother of Horatio;

Pedringano – A servant of Bel-Imperia; betrays her by revealing her secret love for Horatio;

Serberine – Servant of Balthazar

Bazulto (Old Man) – A poor man who pleads with Hieronimo for justice for his murdered son; Villuppo – A Portuguese courtier who falsely accuses another noble of treason.

Alexandro – A Portuguese noble falsely accused of treason by Villuppo.

Don Ciprian – Occasionally mentioned as part of the court circle.

Introduction:

"The Spanish Tragedy", penned by Thomas Kyd, stands as a cornerstone of Elizabethan drama, marking a pivotal shift from the more rigid forms of English plays that preceded it. Its integration of Roman tragedy elements, particularly those of Seneca, with fresh devices like the play-within-a-play and ghostly apparitions, set a precedent for subsequent revenge tragedies.
The Elements of Kyd’s Masterpiece

"The Spanish Tragedy" is built upon three primary devices borrowed from Roman tragedies: a vengeful ghost, revenge driven by familial obligation, and a rich tapestry of bombastic dialogue and soliloquies. Kyd expanded upon these traditional motifs by introducing characters with complex psychological profiles, such as madmen and murderers, which were new to the English stage. The play's innovative use of a play-within-a-play and public executions added layers of intrigue and spectacle, securing Kyd's position as a pioneer among his contemporaries.
Defining the Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy

The play is a defining example of the Elizabethan revenge tragedy genre, characterized by its complex themes of vengeance often enacted by a father or son seeking justice for a wronged family member. It features the appearance of a ghost, the hesitations and internal conflicts of the avenger, and the presence of themes like real or feigned insanity, suicides, and intricate scheming. These elements collectively create a narrative filled with suspense and moral ambiguity.
Complex Narrative Structure

Kyd’s intricate narrative structure, featuring multiple subplots, invites sophisticated critical inquiries. The revenge motif is distributed among characters like Don Andrea, Bel-Imperia, and Hieronimo, with layered audiences adding complexity. The ghost of Don Andrea and the Spirit of Revenge serve as one audience, while the Spanish court, which witnesses the dumb show, serves as another, each guiding the audience’s reactions to the unfolding drama.
Hieronimo: Hero or Villain?

A central issue in the play is the ambiguous nature of Hieronimo’s character, who oscillates between heroism and villainy. Initially, he embodies the public avenger, seeking justice through legal means. However, his descent into a private quest for vengeance redefines him as a Machiavellian figure. This transformation challenges the audience’s sympathy and aligns with the Elizabethan view that private revenge is intolerable. Hieronimo’s secretive approach to vengeance, culminating in the murder of the innocent Duke of Castile, distances him from traditional notions of justice, compelling the audience to demand retribution through his suicide.

The Role of Audience Manipulation

Kyd expertly manipulates his audience's reactions through the use of onstage and real audiences. The Spirit of Revenge, promising retribution to Don Andrea, sets an anticipatory tone mirrored by the real audience’s aesthetic response. This technique underscores the play’s fictional nature.

Cultural and Historical Resonance

Despite its decline in popularity post-1642, "The Spanish Tragedy" was a phenomenon of its time, with its influence extending across Europe. Its revival in the early twentieth century by drama historians highlighted its significance in the evolution of Elizabethan tragedy.