Interpreting Events: Tragicomedies of History on the Modern Stage by Paul Hernadi (Hardcover)

“Interpreting Events: Tragicomedies of History on the Modern Stage” is a book written by Paul Hernadi, a literary critic and scholar. The book was first published in 1984 and has since become a classic in the field of literary studies.

In the book, Hernadi examines the ways in which historical events and figures are represented on the modern stage, focusing on the genre of tragicomedy. He argues that tragicomedy, which combines elements of tragedy and comedy, is uniquely suited to representing the complexities and contradictions of history.

Hernadi provides close readings of several plays, including works by Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Tom Stoppard, to illustrate his argument. He shows how these plays use the conventions of tragicomedy to explore themes such as memory, identity, and the relationship between past and present.

The book has been praised for its insightful analysis of modern drama and its contributions to the field of literary criticism. Hernadi’s work has helped to shape the way that scholars and critics think about the representation of history on the stage, and his ideas continue to influence the field today.