Letters on England Letter XVIII - On Tragedy
In which the English theatre is examined through the lens of its grand yet irregular genius, as exemplified by Shakspeare’s sublime but unorthodox plays, whose beauties and faults have shaped dramatic art in that island. The discourse further contrasts this with more structured efforts by writers like Mr. Addison, whose elegant tragedy “Cato” strikes a balance between dignity and decorum, though often marred by the imposition of conventional love plots, revealing a national theatrical spirit both wild and refined in its evolution.
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