According to Aristotle, the proper pleasure for a tragedy is that it imitates life, and induces the emotions of fear and pity. Shakespeares Macbeth is undoubtedly one of the best examples of theatrical tragedy the world has ever known, and even though it was written 1800 years after Aristotle wrote his theories of tragedy, it is an excellent example of his principles.

Instructions

Go back and review the information about Aristotles theory of tragedy in W04 Study: Plot and Character.

Pay especial attention to his six elements of tragedy (plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and music), to his structure of complication/denouement, and to the principles of protagonist, antagonist, nemesis, hubris, peripety and catharsis.

Apply these to Macbeth by preparing a short paragraph-length (at least 4-5 sentences for each question cluster, with an introductory sentence, body, and conclusion sentence for each question cluster) response to each of the questions below:

How is the plot arranged? Where are the complication, climax, and denouement? Explain your reasons for choosing these places.

Examine the characters in Macbeth. Name the protagonist, and explain your answer. Name the principal antagonist, and explain your answer.

What is Macbeth’s fatal flaw (the character trait that leads to his downfall)? Explain two examples from the play that support your assertion.

Explain three major thoughts or themes of the play. How does the reading of Macbeth encourage virtue in the audience member?

Name and explain two examples of how Shakespeare uses diction to enhance the drama of the play. Quote two specific places in the play where Shakespeare uses diction to enhance the drama. Discuss how the word choice, figurative language, meter, or another aspect of diction is particularly effective in these passages. 

As you read the play, what indications of music and spectacle (special effects) do you see in the text? Find at least two examples from the text. Describe the music and spectacle you would employ If you were to produce a performance of this play. 

Describe your emotional reaction to the play? If there were passages that particularly moved you, describe your feelings. If you struggled with the play, explain what you did to overcome the challenge. 

Define peripety, also known as peripeteia, in your own words and explain how peripety is shown in Lady Macbeths final scene in the play (from Act V Scene 1).

Act V Scene 1

Lady MacbethOut, damned spot! out, I say!–One: two: why, 

then, ’tis time to do’t.–Hell is murky!–Fie, my 

lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we 

fear who knows it, when none can call our power to 

account?–Yet who would have thought the old man 

to have had so much blood in him. 

DoctorDo you mark that? 

Lady MacbethThe thane of Fife had a wife: where is she now?– 

What, will these hands ne’er be clean?–No more o’ 

that, my lord, no more o’ that: you mar all with 

this starting. 

DoctorGo to, go to; you have known what you should not. 

GentlewomanShe has spoke what she should not, I am sure of 

that: heaven knows what she has known. 

Lady MacbethHere’s the smell of the blood still: all the 

perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little 

hand. Oh, oh, oh! 

DoctorWhat a sigh is there! The heart is sorely charged. 

GentlewomanI would not have such a heart in my bosom for the 

dignity of the whole body. 

DoctorWell, well, well,– 

GentlewomanPray God it be, sir. 

DoctorThis disease is beyond my practise: yet I have known 

those which have walked in their sleep who have died 

holily in their beds. 

lady MacbethWash your hands, put on your nightgown; look not so 

pale.–I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried; he 

cannot come out on’s grave. 

DoctorEven so? 

Lady MacbethTo bed, to bed! there’s knocking at the gate: 

come, come, come, come, give me your hand. What’s 

done cannot be undone.–To bed, to bed, to bed! 

Organize your answers into 8 paragraphs.