Macbeth Microcosm

A tragedy is defined as an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress. William Shakespeare takes such events and constructs dramatic plays surrounding them. Macbeth is one such example; however, he wrote many tragedies including Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, and King Lear. Shakespearean tragedies are strongly linked in that they share the same basic structural format, exhibiting environmental intervention, the existence of a tragic hero, and change from an ordered society to a state of chaos. The environment and the supernatural play a significant role in the success of many of Shakespeare’s plays, specifically his tragedies. Macbeth explores the microcosm of the world of witchcraft. When they choose, the witches can

The story of Macbeth begins when Duncan is a virtuous leader and King of Scotland, but it quickly deteriorates to bloodshed, causing a spiral of chaos and carnage. Multiple shifts in power occur as well, beginning with Duncan, then switching to Macduff, then Malcolm, and supposedly Banquo’s sons. This constant switching is a trademark of chaos. As Macbeth would say, “strange and self-abuse is the initiate fear that wants hard use. I am yet but young in deed” (3.4.142-144). He believes that causing more chaos and death will somehow make Scotland ordered once again under his absolute rule. A similar phenomenon occurs in Romeo and Juliet, as it starts with a feud between the Montagues and Capulets, an organized society. Until the star-crossed lovers are discovered, the chaos doesn’t erupt. Because they decide to take action on their relationship, it ends with the death of both characters along with Mercutio, Paris, Tybalt and Lady Montague—definitely less orderly than the start. Juliet cries, “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” wondering why the only way their relationship could be open is if he weren’t a Montague (2.2.33). This situation, however, only causes complications. In Julius Caesar, Caesar returns from battle a nobleman in an ordered society and then tries to steal the crown, which results in a great amount of disorder: violence, death, and isolation. These are just three of countless examples of these shifts from order to chaos exhibited in Shakespearean