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We come away from the tragedies of [William] Shakespeare…

“We come away from the tragedies of [William] Shakespeare with a profound sense of having encountered reality in its most pristine form - yet the art-work is elaborately artificial, the very genre of tragedy in poetry an anti-naturalist perspective.” quote by Joyce Carol Oates
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“We come away from the tragedies of [William] Shakespeare with a profound sense of having encountered reality in its most pristine form - yet the art-work is elaborately artificial, the very genre of tragedy in poetry an anti-naturalist perspective.”

Joyce Carol Oates

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Shakespeare’s tragedies feel both real and artificial, offering a pure view of reality through crafted art

In simple terms: Art can present reality in a heightened, artificial form

Key Takeaway

Appreciate the crafted nature of tragedy

Themes

art reality artificiality literary analysis

Mood

analytical introspective

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • literature classes
  • theatre productions
  • creative writing workshops
  • critical essays

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory dramatic structure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does art’s artificiality affect its truth?
  • Can tragedy be both natural and crafted?
A Different Perspective

Artificiality may distance audiences from genuine emotion

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