The four greatest tragedies of Shakespeare – Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet, and Othello – in a stunning edition of Penguin Clothbound Classics. The theme of Shakespeare's great tragedies is the fall of a hero from grace due to a fatal flaw. Whether it is Macbeth's ruthless ambition, Lear's folly, Hamlet's uncertainty, or Othello's suspicion, the cause of the tragedy – even when it is the murder of a king – is trivial compared to the destruction it unleashes. Despite their flawed natures, the tragic protagonists possess a nobility that emphasizes the greatness of humanity. From this paradox, the audience is led to a greater understanding – and compassion – for suffering. The four tragedies in the collection are accompanied by notes and an introduction to each text.