Macbeth

Through the character of Macbeth Shakespeare explores the concept of human fragility and the innate human potential for darkness. The entire play depicts the continuation of the tragic demise of Macbeth in line with the conventions of the tragedy genre. From the outset of the play we are introduced to Macbeth’s character in the highest possible regard through external comment and dialogue. However spurred on by the equivocations of the witches we begin to see the first signs of insecurity and ambition conveyed through key soliloquies. Through the provocative nature of Lady Macbeth this innate darkness is brought to the fore, epitomised in the multiple murders he commits. Finally through the use of powerful imagery, Shakespeare portrays the true ‘butcher’ and ‘hell hound’ that has emerged from what was once a ‘peerless kinsmen.’ Through a combination of these key ideas, Macbeth’s tragic disintegration is well documented throughout the play.
In the early scenes of the play we are introduced to Macbeth a most esteemed of men. Through the use of superlative language, “peerless kinsmen” the respect and unrivalled admiration which Macbeth had earned is effectively documented. Through an analysis of external comment, “brave Macbeth…well he deserves that name” the idyllic image of the courageous warrior is apparent in Macbeth. Furthermore mythological allusions, “Bellona’s bridegroom” have been used to further emphasise his almost prophetic standing in the highest regard.   Through the use of key dialogue passages Shakespeare begins to foreshadow the impending fate of Macbeth, “often times to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths…to betray us in   deepest consequence” using a metaphor to characterise the sinister nature of the witches. In this way, Shakespeare effectively depicts Macbeth as an image of the human ideal through the use of external comment but as the play develops key dialogue has been used to hint and the impinging events.
This hint...