Tragedy in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

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Tragedy in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

The play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is a tragedy. It takes place in Scotland in Medieval times during the feudal system. This play shows how the evil of a person can overpower his good inclination and commit murder. In the play, Macbeth, a nobleman and general in the king's army, slays the king and other noblemen's families.

Macbeth and Banquo, brave and noble generals in the army of the gracious King Duncan of Scotland, have been successful in putting down a rebellion led by Macdonwald and the thane of Cawdor. While crossing a heath, they are met by three witches, who hail Macbeth as thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and king in the future. When Banquo also demands a prophecy, the witches tell him that he will bring about kings even though he won't be one. The mysterious creatures vanish, but part of their prophecy is immediately acknowledged when two noblemen coming from the King greet Macbeth with the title of the rebel thane of Cawdor, who has been destined to die. This partial fulfillment of the witches' prophecy, and the advancement of King Duncan's son Malcolm to the title of Prince of Cumberland, combine to prepare Macbeth's plot to murder the King. In Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, he finds an equal plotter more determined than he is. When Duncan and his sons come as guests to Macbeth's castle, luck seems to have played a role in the hands of the determined nobleman and his wife.

Banquo, inspired by the witches' prophecy that his descendants will be monarchs; he tries to resist the temptation to hurry the event. Macbeth, does quite the opposite, he takes advantage of the opportunity of the King's visit to his castle. With the help of his wife, they poison the grooms of the King's bedchamber, and stab the sleeping king, to death. When the murder is discovered on the following day, Macbeth shows great grief and anger. To distract suspicion from himself, he kills the grooms as though furious by their denial of the deed. Malcolm and Donalbain, the King's sons, fear and flee the country; and Macbeth, as next in power, is crowned King.

Knowing that the noble Banquo suspects him of the murder of the King, and because he is also jealous of General Macbeth, because of the witches' prophecy. Macbeth invites him to a banquet as though he is honoring Banquo, but has him and his son assassinated by murderers.

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