MACBETH Final Thoughts Tragedy Symbols and Theme TRAGEDY

MACBETH Final Thoughts: Tragedy, Symbols, and Theme

TRAGEDY • Tragedy: When the protagonist dies • Hamartia: tragic flaw/excess of some character trait that leads to his downfall and the downfall of others • Tragic hero: character of high standing who must oppose some conflicting force, either external/internal • Macbeth must face the evil forces of the witches who are pitted against him • Macbeth’s ambition is hamartia or tragic flaw • Macbeth’s death releases him from life’s burdens • His country is released from the disorder and chaos caused by the supernatural influence that has caused Macbeth’s downfall.

SYMBOLS IN MACBETH • Evil-Witches • Disorder-Nature out of balance (horses eating each other/murder of king) • Darkness-Scotland remains dark once Duncan is murdered • Good-Malcolm, Donalbain • Order-The king’s loyal subjects should remain loyal • Light-Lady Macbeth’s candle

THEMES IN MACBETH • When the natural order is out of balance, then all society becomes disordered • Evil deeds beget (cause further) evil deeds • One cannot escape the guilt of a purely heinous act such as murder • Good ultimately will overcome evil • Be cautious of ambition. Too much of it may cause one to cause evil deeds. • Friendship and loyalty are better than power and money. • Be wary of those that counsel you to commit evil acts.