Shakespeare's "Big Four" refers to his four greatest tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. Written between roughly 1600 and 1606, these plays represent the height of his artistic achievement and rank among the finest works in 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 designate these as the "Big Four" because they share certain qualities:
- Philosophical depth – Each explores fundamental questions about human existence
- Complex characterization – The protagonists are remarkably well-developed
- Dramatic power – The plots build toward devastating conclusions
- Poetic excellence – Some of Shakespeare's finest verse appears in these works
- Universal resonance – The themes translate across all eras and cultures
These four tragedies, composed during Shakespeare's most productive years, remain the most frequently performed and studied of all his works. They represent the pinnacle of English dramatic writing. If you haven't experienced them yet – whether on stage or on the page – they're well worth your time.