“The less I speak, the more I meditate.”

• Quote by: Thomas Kyd

• Source: The Spanish Tragedy

The Spanish Tragedy

• Written by Thomas Kyd, it is a prominent example of the Revenge Tragedy genre.

• Revenge Tragedy: A type of play where a quest for vengeance leads to bloodshed and mutilation. Often inspired by Senecan tragedy.

• Kyd’s play popularized revenge tragedy during the Elizabethan Period.

Summary of the Play:

• Begins with the ghost of Don Andrea, a Spanish nobleman killed in a battle in Portugal.

• Don Andrea narrates his death and encounters the Spirit of Revenge, describing his fight with Portuguese prince Balthazar.

• The plot interweaves his love story with Bel-Imperia and themes of revenge, love, and honor, leaving a strong impact on contemporary audiences.

Key Characters:

• Hieronimo (Protagonist)

• Bel-Imperia (Heroine)

• Lorenzo

• Balthazar

• Horatio

• Ghost of Don Andrea

Famous Quotation:

• “The less I speak, the more I meditate.”

Thomas Kyd (1557–1595):

• English dramatist of the Elizabethan Period.

• Member of the University Wits.

• Known for developing Elizabethan drama, especially revenge tragedy.

Notable Works:

• The Spanish Tragedy (1585)

• Cornelia (1590)

Source: Britannica, Live MCQ Lecture