Macbeth Dramatic Analysis

A detailed Summary of Macbeth Dramatic Analysis

In Act 1 Scene 3 the modern tragic formula is emphasized by the special effects, characters, and props that are used. These three dramatic aspects of the play display the witches as true magical beings that are capable of destroying Macbeth.

In Act 1 Scene 3 the modern tragic formula is highlighted by the special effects that are used. The smoke and fog that arise as the witches first appear portrays them as evil and mysterious creatures. Also, as the witches begin to prepare their magical spells, the setting suddenly changes from a clear and sunny day to a dark cloudy storm full of thunder, lightning, and rain. The booming of the thunder and the smacking of the rain as it hits the ground gives the audience an unbearable sense of fear. This first series of special effects is an outstanding way of making the audience realize that the witches really are magical. During their spell preparation one of the witches vows to punish a sailor because his wife cursed her and refused to give her some chestnuts. As she is doing this, an image of the witch's Graymalkin appears in the sky and a lightning bolt shoots across the image. All of these beginning special effects combine to indicate that the witches are evil, magical, and are o

As Macbeth and Banquo return from battle they see the witches and engage in a conversation with them. The witches greet Macbeth with three prophecies. The three prophecies that the witches gave Macbeth gave him triple honors - "Thane of Glamis", "Thane of Cawdor", and that he will become "King hereafter". As the witches give each prophecy to Macbeth lightning bolts surround them and their eyes start to glow. These special effects frighten both Macbeth and Banquo because they are unsure as to what magic these witches are performing. They are unsure of this magic because they do not believe that the prophecies could ever come true. They already know that the first prophecy, "Thane of Glamis", could be a fake because Macbeth had already been known as "Thane of Glamis". However, they are skeptical about the other two prophecies.

In conclusion, Act 1 Scene 3 proves that the modern tragic formula is being used. The witches that represent characters from an all powerful universe, the props that accentuate the outcome of the play, and the special effects that reinforce the fearful idea that Macbeth is struggling ineffectively within, and is destroyed by an all powerful tragic universe.

Banquo's prophecies also come true. The first prophecy that hails Banquo as "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" becomes real life because Banquo will never be as high a rank has Macbeth, but he will always be a greater person because he does not fall into the Devil's trap. The second prophecy that says that Banquo will be "not so happy, yet much happier" comes true because Banquo becomes unhappy since he dies, but at least he is happy because he did not fall into the witches trap like Macbeth. Macbeth, on the other hand, is not happy with himself. The third and final proph

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Approximate Word count = 1196
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English