Shakespeare's "Big Four" are his four greatest tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. Written between about 1600 and 1606, these plays are considered the peak of his genius and some of the best works in all of world literature.
Hamlet (around 1600-1601)
What Happens Prince Hamlet's dad (the King of Denmark) dies, and his ghost shows up to tell Hamlet that his uncle Claudius murdered him. Oh, and Claudius has already married Hamlet's mom and taken the throne. Hamlet spends the play trying to figure out what to do about it, pretending to be crazy, and making everyone around him miserable.
Big Themes - Revenge and justice - What's real vs. what's fake - Madness (real and pretend) - Death and the meaning of life - Corruption everywhere
Famous Lines - "To be, or not to be—that is the question" - "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" - "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" - "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't"
Why It Matters *Hamlet* is Shakespeare's longest play and probably his most famous. People have been obsessed with Hamlet's character for centuries – his psychology, his philosophical speeches, his inability to just DO something already.
Othello (around 1603-1604)
What Happens Othello is a Moorish general in Venice who secretly marries Desdemona, a nobleman's daughter. Iago, who's mad about being passed over for a promotion, decides to destroy Othello by making him think Desdemona is cheating on him. Spoiler: it ends badly for everyone.
Big Themes - Jealousy (the "green-eyed monster") - Race and being an outsider - Manipulation and lies - Love and trust - Reputation and honor
Famous Lines - "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster" - "Put out the light, and then put out the light" - "One that loved not wisely, but too well"
Why It Matters *Othello* shows how jealousy can destroy everything. Iago is one of the most terrifying villains ever written – he's evil just because he can be. The play also deals with racism in ways that are still relevant today.
King Lear (around 1605-1606)
What Happens Old King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on who says they love him most. His youngest, Cordelia, refuses to play the game and gets banished. Lear gives everything to his other two daughters, Goneril and Regan, who immediately turn on him. Things get VERY dark from there.
Big Themes - Family and what kids owe their parents - Madness and wisdom - Justice and injustice - Nature and natural order - Seeing clearly vs. being blind (literally and figuratively)
Famous Lines - "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child" - "Nothing will come of nothing" - "As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; They kill us for their sport"
Why It Matters Many people think *King Lear* is Shakespeare's greatest achievement, period. It's absolutely brutal in its exploration of human suffering, family dysfunction, and how power corrupts. Not exactly a fun night out, but incredibly powerful.
Macbeth (around 1606)
What Happens Macbeth is a Scottish general who meets three witches who tell him he'll become king. His wife Lady Macbeth convinces him to murder the current king and take the throne. Then guilt and paranoia drive both of them insane, leading to more murders and eventually their downfall.
Big Themes - Ambition and what it costs - Guilt and conscience - Fate vs. free will - Appearance vs. reality - The supernatural
Famous Lines - "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" - "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" - "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" - "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes"
Why It Matters *Macbeth* is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy but one of his most intense. Watching Macbeth and Lady Macbeth fall apart from guilt is still powerful and terrifying. Plus: witches!
Why These Four?
Critics call these the "Big Four" because they're:
- Deep – Each one explores fundamental questions about being human
- Complex characters – The main characters are incredibly well-developed
- Dramatically powerful – The plots build to devastating endings
- Beautifully written – Some of Shakespeare's best poetry is in these plays
- Universal – The themes work across all times and cultures
These four tragedies, written during Shakespeare's most productive period, are still the most performed and studied of all his works. They're the crown jewels of English drama.