Discuss
Macbeth as a Shakespearean tragedy.
Introduction:
- Shakespearean play Macbeth is one of the brightest gems in
the history of English drama. The main source of the story is undoubtedly
Holinshed’s chronicles. In matter of theme and structure it belongs to the
tragedy. It bears out almost all the features of Shakespeare as a dramatist of
tragedy. Keeping this view some critics rightly observe it as a typical product
of Shakespearean tragedy. Let us have a discussion why the critics think so-
Macbeth,
the Shakespearean tragic hero: - Shakespeare has presented Macbeth as
an embodiment of his ideal tragic hero. Macbeth is a person of high degree with
some extraordinary quality. But his vaulting ambition is the only flaw in his
character. It causes a great inner conflict throughout his life. Subsequently
it rings the bell of destruction for Macbeth. Fate also plays a subordinate
part. Indeed the tragic ruin of Macbeth is the joint product of character and
circumstances.
The
decisive role of Lady Macbeth: - In Shakespearean tragedy women
characters always take the decisive role. It is true in case of Lady Macbeth.
She is the master mind behind all the evil works of Macbeth. Throughout the
drama she encourages Macbeth to commit crime one after another. Even she points
out to Macbeth how the murder of Duncan could be safely done.
