Is Macbeth A True Tragedy? Essay - 1,281 words

Is Macbeth a true tragedy? Macbeth is the perfectly written classic example of Shakespeares possessive ability to follow the tragic pattern. This betraying tale is made up of all the necessary characters, events, atmospheres, and plots needed to destroy the lives of several, and then reestablish the peaceful environment that once was. It includes many different motifs and ironic occurrences that allow us, the reader, to be aware that something, due to someone or an event, troubling would soon occur. The way in which all the events fall seems to give insurance to the reader that Macbeth will be a story of tragic happenings. Macbeth is the written justification that a written play can touch the inner feelings of its reader just as though it was the sad story of a devastating life experience that no person in this world would ever dream of having to face for a minute. (Calderwood) Whether the blame for the outcome of Macbeths life-ending downfall is blamed on the influences of witchcraft, his conniving, yet weak wife, or on his power hungry self, he rose and fell tragically. Macbeth is the plays tragic hero because he began as a man with an honorable and highly respected career.


Of course, the idea of possessing a higher power intrigued him, but never to the point of him committing deadly crimes. (Wofford) Macbeth was told by the witches a few key things that would change his life. After the prophecies told to him by the witches came true, the imagination of Macbeth began to drift. Once the news that Malcolm would become king after his fathers death, Macbeth knew if was time for him to control his own destiny. With the help of his wife, who is the mastermind behind the plot to kill off King Duncan, Macbeth began a horrible chain of endless, heartless murders. He later killed his best friend, the wife and children of Macduff, and made serial attempts to kill others, including Macduff, and Banquets son. Macbeth believed he was invincible due to the second set of prophecies given to him by the witches.


He felt that no one alive could take away the power he so selfishly earned. Fortunately, he was wrong and the crown he killed so many was taken from his head by death. Macbeth was a victim of his own will power and the desperate need to rule. (Calderwood) With the murder of his one true love, precise children, dear friend, honorable king, and an threat to made to his own life, Macduff is furious and has a right to be. Macduff was once a close friend of Macbeth but suspected him after the death of Duncan as being the mysterious murderer. After Duncans two sons fled the country, which includes the future king of the country Malcolm, Macbeth was names king. Macduff did not congratulate him or attend the celebration thrown in Macbeths honor.


Macduff did not acknowledge the fact that Macbeth was the new ruler, to Macduff, their ruler was dead and heir to the throne was missing. As a result of Macduffs refusal to accept him, Macbeth knew that Macduff was aware of something and had a hunch. Macbeth decided to put the hunch to rest and end all chances of Macduff destroying him, and failed. Even though Macbeth sent men out to kill Macduff, they did not succeed. Macduff, thinking very cleverly, had already fled to England where he would meet up with Malcolm to discuss the current situation of their home. While there Macduff turned him back on him once life long friend Macbeth, and set his heart on revenge and war.


Even though Macbeth thought he had thoroughly figured out a plan to get rid o ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................You are reading a preview................... Visit our Blog and Unlock Full Access to this essay

Continue READING the FULL Essay by clicking HERE

Essay Tags: macbeth, macduff, study guide, lady macbeth, dear friend

This is an Essay sample / Research paper, you can use it for your research of: Is Macbeth A True Tragedy