Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragedy due to the values of the play, the character’s nobility and downfall, and the conclusion of the plot, in which the character accepts the fate he or she is given and the order is restored. Aristotle is known for being the originator of the tragedy criteria, which was previously listed and will be analyzed in the following pages. The values in a tragedy are known as the supernatural powers or beings in the story. In the first act of Macbeth, the three witches tell Macbeth what he is to become: “Thane of Glamis… thane of Cawdor… king hereafter!” (1.3.48-50). The witches have foreseen the future and reveal to Macbeth that he will be Thane of Cawdor, and eventually king, and since the witches have told him this, it will all eventually come true, whether it be by fate or by force. Later in the play the witches show three …show more content…
The witches told Macbeth to fear Macduff, but never told Macbeth why he should fear Macduff. Macduff was not born from a woman naturally, and his mother died during childbirth. Macbeth also does not know how he will become king, but he takes it upon himself to kill anyone that may pose a threat to the throne. In addition to Macbeth’s lack of knowledge, his downfall was also due to one tragic flaw: his ambition. Once Macbeth wanted something, his ambition took over and caused him to do whatever it took to attain his wants, whether it was killing Duncan to become king, or killing innocent people and close friends. The conclusion of the tragedy happens at the end of the play when Macbeth is about to duel with Macduff. Macbeth says “Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunsinane, and thou opposed, being of no woman born, yet I will try the last.” (5.8.30-32) when he realizes that what the witches told him has come true, and that no matter how hard he fights, he will die. Macduff slays Macbeth and Malcolm becomes king of Scotland; the order is