Spiralling in the Shadow of Shakespeare: Breaking Bad, Narrative and Tragedy
Explore the Shakespearean themes within the famous television show 'Breaking Bad'. Analyse themes of tragedy and the influences of 'Macbeth', 'King Lear', 'Othello' and 'Hamlet' on the series' narrative.
Hailed by critics, fans and academics as one of the greatest television shows of all time, 'Breaking Bad' has frequently drawn comparisons to Shakespearean tragedy, with many citing the influences of 'Macbeth', 'King Lear', 'Othello' and 'Hamlet' on the series' narrative. This course delves deep into the fabric of 'Breaking Bad', analysing what 'Tragedy' truly means and how Shakespeare's tragic works could have been woven into a modern television drama. If you're a fan of Shakespeare, TV drama, film or just looking to understand more about 'Breaking Bad', then this is the course for you. Following this programme, students are encouraged to look for Shakespeare's influence in other popular TV shows. P.S. *SPOILER ALERT!*
Course Content
8 LESSONS
8 HOURS Total Length
Lesson 1
'Breaking Bad' and Frequent Comparisons to Shakespeare
60 minutes
Lesson 2
What Is Tragedy?
60 minutes
Lesson 3
Shakespearean Tragedy: Auden's Analysis and How the Bard Differs
60 minutes
Lesson 4
Walt's Deviation and Spiralling Narratives
60 minutes
Lesson 5
'Do It': Walt, Jesse and a Spiral of Control
60 minutes
Lesson 6
Spirals in Shakespeare and Walt's Infectious Amorality
60 minutes
Lesson 7
Enter Skyler: the Anti-Lady Macbeth
60 minutes
Lesson 8
Evil, 'Felina' and a Conspicuously Absent Catharsis
60 minutes
Key Skills
Television Drama Analysis
Shakespeare Study
Comparing Media Forms
Educator
Sam E
English and Drama Educator
Sam is an actor and private Educator with a master's and first-class honours degrees from the University of Manchester and a master's in acting from one of the UK's leading drama schools.
