Shakespearean tragedy

Question

To describe an episode more tragic than any tragedy of Shakespeare, can I say:

This surpasses any Shakespearean tragedy.

And in another context, can I say: It is not a Shakespearean tragedy; it's a real tragedy that happens all the time in our lives.

Thanks

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,
To describe an episode more tragic than any tragedy of Shakespeare, can I say:

This surpasses any Shakespearean tragedy. Yes. But it must be pretty tragic to be better than Shakespeare's.

And in another context, can I say: It is not a Shakespearean tragedy; it's a real tragedy that happens all the time in our lives.
A single tragedy can't happen 'all the time', so say something like this.

It is not a Shakespearean tragedy; it's one of the real tragedies that happen all the time in our lives.
It is not a Shakespearean tragedy; it's a real tragedy of the kind that that happens all the time in our lives.

Clive

Avangi · Answer

These would both be understood, but both require the reader to make assumptions as to what aspects of the plays you have in mind.

In the first, you mean "more tragic," as you explain in your introduction. In the second, you mean "it's not a play." They're just a bit oblique for my taste.

I guess I'm trying to say I think these things should be explicit.

Best wishes, - A.

Abil · Answer

I actually intended to mean what you have said, but could not express the way you have done.

Yes, Shakespeare's tragedies are the best, although I just read a few of them.

Thanks Mr. Clive for you kind help.

Shakespearean tragedy

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