Macbeth, a Tragedy
According to Aristotle’s criteria of a tragedy, a play must include a variety of materials: values that are determined by the supernatural and hubris or excessive pride; a character that is both noble by birth and by actions; and a character with a downfall that is caused by a limitation of knowledge and a tragic flaw. In the conclusion of a tragedy, the character that has fallen gains understanding and accepts punishment for his actions, ensuring all order is eventually restored. In Macbeth each quality that is necessary for it to be considered a tragedy is displayed, and Macbeth suffers the tribulations that are required of a tragic character. Macbeth inherits Glamis due to his father’s death and mentions only one time …show more content…
First, he states, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition” (1.7.51-56). In saying this, he knows that the only thing that is evoking his actions is his ambition; however, his desire for power is what makes his ambition such a bad trait. “The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies… let not light see my black and deep desires” (1.3.47-51). He is describing his heart’s desire to become king and stating that he will do what it takes to achieve that, even if it means killing Malcom, who is next in line to be King. Next, Macbeth is told by the witches that no man born of a woman could harm him, “Fear not, Macbeth; no man born of woman shall e’er have power upon thee” (5.3.86-87). Little does he know, Macduff had not been born of a woman “technically” due to a cesarean, which meant that Macduff had the ability to kill him. If Macbeth had known this knowledge, he would have better prepared himself instead of being arrogant, and would have been able to defend himself …show more content…
After learning that Macduff’s mother had been killed while giving birth to him, he eventually gains understanding and realizes that “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.16). “I will not yield, to kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet…
Before my body I throw my warlike shield” (5.8.29-33). Afterwards, order is restored when Macbeth surrenders to fight Macduff and he eventually reaches the end of his destiny and is beheaded and killed. “They call upon us the grace of Grace, we will perform in measure, time and place: So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crown’d at Scone” (5.8.72-74). Malcom is crowned King, as Duncan had anticipated.
As a result of Aristotle’s criteria of a tragedy, Macbeth is a perfect fit. Based on what was previously stated, Macbeth gains nobility by both birth and action. The witches tell him his prophecies and the values are determined. Macbeth has a downfall due to his hunger for power, vaulting ambition, and lastly, his lack of knowledge. Macbeth then comes to an understanding that his free will determined the wrong fate for him and he must accept punishment for his actions. Macbeth is killed and all is back to normal when Malcom is named King, as previously
According to Aristotle’s criteria of a tragedy, a play must include a variety of materials: values that are determined by the supernatural and hubris or excessive pride; a character that is both noble by birth and by actions; and a character with a downfall that is caused by a limitation of knowledge and a tragic flaw. In the conclusion of a tragedy, the character that has fallen gains understanding and accepts punishment for his actions, ensuring all order is eventually restored. In Macbeth each quality that is necessary for it to be considered a tragedy is displayed, and Macbeth suffers the tribulations that are required of a tragic character. Macbeth inherits Glamis due to his father’s death and mentions only one time …show more content…
First, he states, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition” (1.7.51-56). In saying this, he knows that the only thing that is evoking his actions is his ambition; however, his desire for power is what makes his ambition such a bad trait. “The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies… let not light see my black and deep desires” (1.3.47-51). He is describing his heart’s desire to become king and stating that he will do what it takes to achieve that, even if it means killing Malcom, who is next in line to be King. Next, Macbeth is told by the witches that no man born of a woman could harm him, “Fear not, Macbeth; no man born of woman shall e’er have power upon thee” (5.3.86-87). Little does he know, Macduff had not been born of a woman “technically” due to a cesarean, which meant that Macduff had the ability to kill him. If Macbeth had known this knowledge, he would have better prepared himself instead of being arrogant, and would have been able to defend himself …show more content…
After learning that Macduff’s mother had been killed while giving birth to him, he eventually gains understanding and realizes that “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.16). “I will not yield, to kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet…
Before my body I throw my warlike shield” (5.8.29-33). Afterwards, order is restored when Macbeth surrenders to fight Macduff and he eventually reaches the end of his destiny and is beheaded and killed. “They call upon us the grace of Grace, we will perform in measure, time and place: So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crown’d at Scone” (5.8.72-74). Malcom is crowned King, as Duncan had anticipated.
As a result of Aristotle’s criteria of a tragedy, Macbeth is a perfect fit. Based on what was previously stated, Macbeth gains nobility by both birth and action. The witches tell him his prophecies and the values are determined. Macbeth has a downfall due to his hunger for power, vaulting ambition, and lastly, his lack of knowledge. Macbeth then comes to an understanding that his free will determined the wrong fate for him and he must accept punishment for his actions. Macbeth is killed and all is back to normal when Malcom is named King, as previously