Through an investigation of the literary doctrines and ideas of the chief critics of the eighteenth century, the author of this study traces the concept of tragic theory in a would-be age of neo-classicism. The innovational and revitalizing forces advocated for tragedy are stressed, but problems relating to subject matter, form, and rules within the genre are also covered.

Through an investigation of the literary doctrines and ideas of the chief critics of the eighteenth century, the author of this study traces the concept of tragic theory in a would-be age of neo-classicism. The innovational and revitalizing forces advocated for tragedy are stressed, but problems relating to subject matter, form, and rules within the genre are also covered.