Macbeth
A literary tragedy is defined as a drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances. From "Hamlet" to "Othello", Shakespeare created many of history's most memorable tragedies. Perhaps his finest is "Macbeth". It is the story of a man, once honored and respected as a war hero, who became so wrapped up in his own ambition that he transformed into a murderer and dictator-like ruler. Macbeth is not entirely unaided in his descent into evil. He is influenced throughout the play by the Supernatural, and these forces drive the action of the play.The first sight of Supernatural forces comes in the form of the three witches, or "weird sisters". They open the play with a short scene that reveals their devious intentions to meet with Macbeth. Though it is unclear what they have in store for him, their quote "Fair is foul, and foul is fair: hover through the fog and filthy air" hints at deception to come. The exact origin of the witches is unclear, though it is speculated they are "partly rules of nature, and belonging to the nocturnal half of this earthly creation; partly human s
After this encounter, Macbeth and Banquo learn that Macbeth has been named Thane of Cawdor. To this, Banquo replies, "What! Can the devil speak true?" The realization of the witches' first prophecy shows their insight and power. After his meeting with the witches, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming king. Because their first prediction came true, Macbeth puts credence in their word. He does not give into the witches immediately: "Macbeth fluctuates- entertaining them at first, then resisting, but finally yielding". (Snider SLC 3 209) There is then another apparition. It is a line of eight kings, the last, Banquo's ghost. It is a line of all the kings begotten by Banquo. This enrages Macbeth, and he says, "Horrible sight! Now I see, 'tis true: for the blood bolter'd Banquo smiles upon me, and points at them for his". The witches use this apparition to incite the fire within Macbeth. "The second appearance of Banquo's ghost, together with the show of eight kings, is undoubtedly the result of demonic machinations. Having persuaded and otherwise incited Macbeth to sin and crime, the Devil and his angels now employ illusions which lead to his betrayal and final destruction". (Curry SLC 3 240) Second Witch: All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! Following the murder of Banquo, the next supernatural sight occurs. At the feast in Banquo's honor, Macbeth sees his ghost. He begins speaking to the apparition, saying, "Thou canst not say I did it: Never shake your gory locks at me"; and later, "Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou hast no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with". In response to Macbeth's outburst and the shocked reaction of the guests, Lady Macbeth sends the guests home." The Supernatural forces are behind this apparition as well as the dagger. "Banquo's ghost is an infernal illusion, created out of the air by demonic forces and presented to Macbeth's sight at banquet in order that the murderer may be confused and utterly confounded". (Curry SLC 3 240) We see the witches again the next night, when Macbeth comes to visit them. There, he sees three apparitions, the first of an armed head, the second a bloody child, and the third, a child crowned with a tree in his hand. The first tells him to beware the Thane of Fife, but the second and third give
Some common words found in the essay are:
Curry SLC, Othello Shakespeare, Macbeth Birnham, Act Scene, Thane Fife, Banquo Fleance, Macbeth Horrible, Cawdor Banquo, Duncan Macbeth, Snider SLC, slc 3, curry slc, 3 240, curry slc 3, slc 3 240, supernatural forces, snider slc 3, murder duncan, vision dagger, birnham wood, hail macbeth, witch hail macbeth, thane cawdor, witch hail, hail thee thane,
Approximate Word count = 1568
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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