Evoking Sympathy for Macbeth :: Macbeth essays

Evoking Sympathy for Macbeth Within Macbeth the tragedy and demise of Macbeth is an important factor in determining his character as a tragic hero. However in order to elucidate on this point we need to define what is a tragedy. Aristotle within Poetics highlighted what characteristics he believed to define tragedy these being Imitation of an treat that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself...in a dramatic, not report form with incidents arising pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its catharsis of such emotions And immediately we ar brought to tragedy and what the concept of a hero is. In Shakespeares play, Macbeth, the character of Macbeth murders his king, Duncan, for in-person motives, there appears to be little subjective reasoning for the murder. This perhaps encapsulates the look of an incident which has the potential to arise pity from an audience. The endorser begins to pity Macbeth condescension the obvious character flaws of greed and cor ruption. Shakespeare manipulates the audience to react sympathetically towards Macbeth through and through the use of Macbeths actions, dialogue, and passion. Throughout the story, there is a feeling of animosity toward Macbeth in response to his deleterious actions. However, scenes revealing Macbeths more admirable side equilibrize and even abet that negative feeling. One particular instance where the reader has the potential to feel pity for Macbeth appears in the dialogue immediately beforehand Macbeth decides whether or not to kill King Duncan. Macbeth is unsure of the morality of the murder. During such(prenominal) self-deliberation, he agonizes in the monologue, I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the execution (I.vii.14-15). While Macbeth contemplates whether murdering Duncan is feasible, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth that he would murder Duncan if he were truly brazen-faced and masculine. Lady Macbeth goes on to remark that if he murders Duncan, M acbeth would be so such(prenominal) more the man (I.vii.58). A faint-hearted Macbeth gives in to his wifes badgering and utilization and reluctantly agrees to participate in the murder. The audience feels sympathy for an insecure Macbeth as he begins his spiral into ultimate destruction. It appears that without the push of Lady Macbeth the deed would defecate been unlikely to have taken place. Another instance in which Macbeth seems weak and pitiable is at the banquet held in his honor. Before the dinner party begins, Macbeth orders the assassination of his friend Banquo.