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Who is the Hero in Spanish Tragedy?

Published in Literary Characters 3 mins read

The hero in The Spanish Tragedy is Hieronimo, the King's Knight-Marshal and the protagonist of the play.

Hieronimo: The Protagonist of The Spanish Tragedy

Hieronimo stands as the central figure and the driving force behind the events of The Spanish Tragedy, a seminal work of Elizabethan drama. Initially, he is introduced as a loyal servant to the King, holding the esteemed position of Knight-Marshal, a role that involves organizing various entertainments and ceremonies at royal events. His journey, however, transforms dramatically from one of dutiful service to a relentless pursuit of justice and revenge.

Character Arc and Significance

Hieronimo's character undergoes a profound transformation throughout the play, making him a complex and memorable protagonist. His significance is rooted in several key aspects:

  • Initial Loyalty: He begins as a respected and trusted official within the royal court, diligently performing his duties.
  • Devastating Loss: The tragic murder of his son, Horatio, shatters his world and propels him into a spiral of grief and an insatiable desire for retribution.
  • Quest for Revenge: Despite initial struggles with the King's perceived inaction and the legal system, Hieronimo eventually takes matters into his own hands, devising an intricate plan for revenge against those responsible for his son's death.
  • Influence on Elizabethan Drama: His character, and the play itself, significantly influenced the development of revenge tragedies, a popular genre during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.

Why Hieronimo is Considered the Hero

While his methods become increasingly dark and violent as the play progresses, Hieronimo is considered the hero because he is the central character through whose eyes the audience experiences the tragedy. His actions, driven by a profound sense of injustice and paternal love, shape the entire narrative. He embodies the play's exploration of justice, morality, and the consequences of political corruption and personal vengeance. His eventual elaborate revenge plot culminates in a dramatic climax that defines the play's tragic conclusion.

Key Attributes of Hieronimo

To better understand Hieronimo's role, consider his primary attributes:

Attribute Description
Role The protagonist and central figure of The Spanish Tragedy.
Initial Status Loyal servant to the King, serving as the King's Knight-Marshal and responsible for royal entertainments.
Defining Trait His profound grief and obsessive drive for revenge after the murder of his son, Horatio.
Primary Motivation To seek justice and retribution for the heinous crime committed against his family, ultimately resorting to a meticulously planned act of vengeance.

Historical Context of The Spanish Tragedy

Written by Thomas Kyd around 1587, The Spanish Tragedy is a foundational work in English Renaissance theatre. It is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential examples of the Elizabethan revenge tragedy genre, preceding and directly inspiring William Shakespeare's Hamlet. The play's innovative use of a ghost, its complex plot, and its exploration of themes like justice, madness, and revenge solidified its place in literary history. For more information on the play's historical context and impact, you can explore resources such as its dedicated entry on Wikipedia.