Tragic Circumstances, Social Pressures, and Flaws in...

The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare uses the genre of tragedy through the inclusion of distinctive elements of tragic circumstance, social pressures and flaws within the individual’s character. Shakespeare manipulates these features of a tragedy to evoke audience interest leaving responders with insightful thoughts about human nature such as the dangers of vaulting ambition, the fragility of human morality and the temptation of deviation from the natural order. Early in the play, Shakespeare portrays different representations of Macbeth’s ambitious nature and personality to responders through the use of effective dramatic techniques. We initially hear that Macbeth fought â€Å"Like valour’s minion† reinforcing his bravery in the war†¦show more content†¦The nature of guilt and fear are universal human attributes that inform the characterisation of Macbeth and encourage us to reflect on issues of conscience that remain relevant across time. Macbeth’s ignorance to the assassination of Banquo â€Å"Banquo, thy soul’s flight / If it finds heaven must it find out to-night† invokes the use of rhyming couplets which function to emphasise Macbeth’s acceptance of murder. This signals to responders the horrifying result of Macbeth’s moral decline, suggesting notions of conflict in character personality. Macbeth’s attempt to feign comfort in Lady Macbeth also reveal no signs of co nscience as â€Å"we have scoth’d the snake, not killed it,† illustrating Macbeth’s ability to disregard the moral implications of murder in light of the results. Demonstrated through Shakespeare’s use of a metaphor coupled with irony, surprise responders to Macbeth’s capacity to accept his detrimental actions. However, Macbeth’s amoral reactions are contrasted to his evident guilt as Banquo’s ghost appears at Macbeth’s banquet â€Å"like the rugged Russian bear, [†¦] Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves / Shall never tremble†. Appealing to animalistic imagery and use of similes, responders receive an indication of Macbeth’s fear of Banquo and his retribution. However, this abnormality in Macbeth’s personality