This is exemplified in the play when King Duncan and his party arrived at Macbeth’s castle they are unaware of the evil plans being plotted against them. Aristotelian Tragedy Macbeth Essays 611 Words | 3 Pages. At that moment Macbeth had just been recompensed for his evil acts, and the fact that he and his wife are punished for their crime manifests the presence of a higher good which also gives a higher meaning to life. The guilt that Mac-beth experiences after the death of his beloved King Duncan also experienced in every human's life, gives the viewer much pity for Macbeth, as they also felt sorrow for the wrong outcome in succumbing to tempta-tion. Aristotle’s definition of a tragedy, combining seven elements that he believes make the genre of a work a tragedy, is that mold. In the story, the most dominant literary element is the theme. Displaying all seven aspects, Macbeth fits the definition precisely. “A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;... in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.” (classics.mit.edu) This means that a good tragedy always deals with the serious issue. ...According to the classical view, tragedy should arouse feelings of pity and fear in the audience. The people during the Renaissance loved paradoxes because of their unique structure. Tragedy has most definitely influenced the viewer's thoughts on Macbeth within this play. To be defined, as a classic tragedy a novel should have a hero, fall of the protagonist, antagonist, turning point, climax, falling action, and resolution. Aristotle emphasized that tragedies are to be presented in elevated, non-everyday language to alert the audience that what they are about to witness is something of a serious nature. Melancholy is the origination of many great literature works; for instances; the works written by the greatest writer in English literature, William Shakespeare. Furthermore, according to him, tragedy is the complete re-making of a significant moral act. The sword appearing in front of Macbeth's eyes during [II.i.37] gives both fear and pity for Macbeth. The play Macbeth qualifies as a tragedy because it is dramatic writing. We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. One of which is Macbeth’s murderous act itself, which can be due to his tragic flaw (hamartia) which is his ambition. The witches deliver to Macbeth and Banquo strange prophecies and advice. “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, written by William Shakespeare, gives the reader an impact of the horror at the darkness in humans. The factors used to label an event as tragic are the consequences and the lasting effects. Furthermore, he utters: “It is a tale/ Told by an idiot full of sound and fury/ Signifying nothing” (Act V, Scene v, lines 26-8). This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. The plot for Aristotle is the “soul of the tragedy” and so his Poetics is devoted mostly to discussing the requirements, expectations and the development of a good one. The Encarta World English Dictionary defines dramatic irony “as the irony arising from a situation, in which the audience has a fuller knowledge of what is happening in a drama than a character does” so this involves the audience’s attention and draws their attention closer to the play. William Shakespeare is a writer during this period, and he is also the author of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Troops were sent to overthrow him with his own troops deserting him, yet he still places his confidence on the witches whose prophecy got the better of him in the end. Key elements in the play substantiate the fact that Macbeth is a serious story, the first elements of Aristotle’s definition. Macbeth is one such example of a hero whose character shows a slight deviation from that of the ideal tragic hero, while essentially conforming to the Aristotelian principles. Attention! A tragedy according to Aristotle involves a noble hero that must experience some sort of misfortune due to their violent actions creating chaos. They add fear and mystery to the novel. Caesar versus Brutus in Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, Iago as the Hero of Othello by Shakespeare, Analysis of Statement 'Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark' in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Hamlet's View on Death in Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Comparing Shakespeare's Hamlet and Marlowe of Conrad's Heart of Darkness. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth rightly fits Aristotle’s criteria of making a successful dramatic tragedy and aptly exemplifies the main principles of the making of this genre. Aristotle distinguished six elements of tragedy: "plot, characters, verbal expression, thought, visual adornment, and song-composition." Another reason why the play Macbeth should be considered a tragedy is because the main character faces his downfall yet remains heroic until the end.... StudyMode - Premium and Free Essays, Term Papers & Book Notes. Macbeth’s flaw is his ambition, which he shares with his wife. Literature provides us the various sensation; for examples; love, hate, sorrow, melancholy, pity, fear and joyfulness. Dramatic writing is writing that is intended to be read on stage, radio, television, etc. Thus, Aristotle states more in his Poetics the different parts to a tragedy: Prologue, Episode, Exodus, Choric songs and the last part which is divided into two: Parodos and Stasimon. He wrote many precious works and his masterpiece namely tragedy of Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. Macbeth fails to consider... ...Macbeth as a Tragedy According to Aristotle's Definition Aristotle’s definition of a tragedy, combining seven elements that he believes make the genre of a work a tragedy, is that mold. The protagonist is Macbeth. Macbeth, being a man and a human being himself, is in-clined to some forms of temptation, to which man himself has quite often succumbed. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth rightly fits Aristotle’s criteria of making a successful dramatic tragedy and aptly exemplifies the main principles of the making of this genre. Finally, most tragedies contain a tragic hero, which is defined as a “great man” who makes a “mistake or harmatia” that has a large impact on the other characters (Ohio). Of these, “plot” is the most important. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. Pssst… There are also many incidents in the play that support the idea of the tragedy being the deterioration of its main character Macbeth. In the end his own ambition has led to his downfall, his death. First, Macbeth’s disloyalty is first shown in the play after he learns about his future. For him, plot must be a replica of a noble and complete action. The audience felt sorrow and pity for Macbeth, after the announcement that his wife had died. William Shakespeare wrote four great tragedies, the last of which was written in 1606 and titled Macbeth. The points of variation between the two forms of the genre are often drawn not in tangible literary differences, but in premise of manner of downfall. Please join StudyMode to read the full document. This essay has been submitted by a student. The death of Banquo, which was ordered by Macbeth, gives the audience fear for the extreme lengths Mac-beth will go to. Macbeth`s reckless behaviour which supports Aristotle`s definition of tragedy being of waste is illustrated in the play through Macbeth’s disloyalty, the destruction he created, and his immorality. Want us to write one just for you? Firstly,... ...Macbeth: Tragedy or Not? Still the prophecy stimulates Macbeth to desire for the kingship; it is this ambition that leads him to his destruction or downfall. The dictionary definition of a tragedy is a “serious drama with unhappy events or a sad ending” however, according to the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle, a tragedy should have six parts which consists of: a plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle and song. In relation to this, Aristotle asserts in his Poetics that “A perfect tragedy should be arranged not on the simple but on the complex plan. This tragedy, as many critics of literature consider it, scrutinizes the evil dimension of conflict, offering a dark, gloomy atmosphere of a world dominated by the powers of darkness. Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below: Sorry, copying is not allowed on our website. It displays all eight aspects of Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. Rex Bookstore. “The Noble Macbeth: An Aristotelian Tragedy.”, The Noble Macbeth: An Aristotelian Tragedy [Internet]. It is revealed through the play that Macbeth does not fear evil, but is driven by the prophecies of the three witches. According to Aristotle, tragedy has six main elements: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle (scenic effect), and song (music), of which the first two are primary. 2018 Sept 04 [cited 2020 Oct 4]. Many people interpret events such as a natural disaster, a death of a loved one, or a permanent disability as tragic. Shakespeare’s works are collected and printed in various editions in the century following his death. In Macbeth’s case his tragic flaw which led to his downfall is his ambition. One such standard is the Aristotelian definition of tragedy and the tragic hero. We can custom edit this essay into an original, 100% plagiarism free essay. However, what is noble in this act? It is a tragedy because Macbeth is overly ambitious, and also, because he is too easily persuaded to do things he knows are immoral and unethical. He murders King Duncan against his better judgment and then stumbles in guilt and paranoia. Displaying all seven aspects, Macbeth fits the definition precisely. William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth is a perfect mold of an Aristotelian Tragedy. Aristotle goes on to suggest that the noble and complete action must be an imitation of fearful and pitiable conditions. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy. It is to be recalled that Macbeth’s ambition, encouraged by his wife, has brought about her death and when Macbeth learns of this dreadful thing the words he speaks attest to the grief and despair he feels, even ironic. He must be one who is highly renowned and prosperous…”. If you’d like this or any other sample, we’ll happily email it to you. ...The Cause of Tragedy Through Mischief Aristotelian Tragedy: Macbeth Aristotle is known widely for developing his ideas on tragedy. 12/01/2016 The best tragic plot is single and complex, rather than double ("with opposite endings for good and It follows that the change of fortune presented must not be the spectacle of a virtuous man brought from prosperity to adversity, for this moves neither pity nor fear, it merely shocks us…for pity is aroused by unmerited misfortune, and fear by the misfortune of a person like ourselves…there remains, then, the character between these two extremes- that of a man who is not eminently good and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by vice or depravity, but by some error or frailty. Essentially, therefore, the plot of Macbeth, as an imitation of action is one of a noble and complete action. The complete action required by Aristotle, that is a beginning, middle, and an end action, is satisfied by Macbeth’s respective placements of the tragedy. His failure or refusal to see what is clearly obvious makes the end of the play even more gripping than the beginning. The king’s murder by Macbeth shows that Macbeth is a traitor and is disloyal because he was supposed to protect the king as shown in the quote: “Which do but what they should, by doing everything Safe toward your love and honour.” (1.4.27-28) but in the end he chose to... ...A tragedy is often thought of as a sad, pitiful event. A main theme within Macbeth is the destruction that follows when ambition goes beyond moral constraints. Does Macbeth do this? Their mood, lighthearted and joking, is totally ironic to the audience since it knows what Macbeth is really up to as evidenced also by Macbeth’s discourtesy of not greeting his guests honorably. From the perspective of A.C Bradley, a valueless central feeling is demonstrated in the great tragedy achieved by Macbeth`s mischief, thus leading to the catastrophe of Macbeth. On the other hand, irony is another important element in Aristotelian tragedy and many ironic statements can be found in the play. How does Macbeth fit Aristotle's concept of a tragedy One of the characteristic natures of the tragic hero according to Aristotle is the reversal of fortune wherein the hero undergoes a change of circumstances from prosperity (emotional and/or material) to adversity, known as the tragic fall brought about by some hamartia, roughly translated as ‘error in judgment’ or ‘tragic flaw’, that is some aspect of the hero’s character which is praiseworthy but in itself is also destructive. ...Macbeth has been defined as a tragedy, however, the definition of “tragedy” is questionable and doesn’t have a definite definition. The supernatural elements are the key contributors to the play. You can get 100% plagiarism FREE essay in 30sec, Sorry, we cannot unicalize this essay. Although he sees his doom already he can not accept it; he continues to fight by talking about his charmed life too. People during the Renaissance were very superstitious; consequently, their connection, While the genre of some works of literature can be debated, Macbeth written by William Shakespeare seems to fit into a perfect mold. Macbeth was a tragedy because of the loss and destruction of lives. Aristotle in his Poetics posited that catharsis is the defining feature and definitive end of any tragedy; to quote him he wrote. Home — Essay Samples — Philosophy — Aristotle — The Noble Macbeth: An Aristotelian Tragedy. One of the most evident quotes that made me think of the horror of darkness in humans was said by Macbeth, “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires…” This quote showed that Macbeth was heavily. Macbeth is characterized as driven by his corrupt ambition, a noble who will beat all odds to satisfy his deepest desire and fulfill his ambition of becoming king even if it means employing evil plots along the way. In the play, after achieving the title as Thane of Glamis, Macbeth realizes that he can become much more by murdering the king. Are you interested in getting a customized paper? The first example of Macbeth’s lack of self control is apparent in act one, scene three. Aristotle's definition of a tragedy, combining seven elements that he believes make the genre of a work a tragedy, is that mold. A tragedy is the story of a great person whose character flaw eventually leads to his downfall. The format of the story is set up in a way that is intended to be performed on a stage, radio, television, or play, by actors. The history and philosophers' theories of psychology Essay, The Views Of Aristotle On Who Should Wield Authority In Government Essay, Aristotle’s view on “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles One tragic element was the struggle of the heroic main character, the protagonist; Macbeth, against the superior force of destiny. Macbeth, together with Banquo, meets the three witches who possess mystic powers to predict the two men’s fate or future. When the audience finds out something concealed from them before that is able to contribute in putting the pieces together, the point of disclosure is now attained. If you fit this description, you can use our free essay samples to generate ideas, get inspired and figure out a title or outline for your paper. The plot for Aristotle is the “soul of the tragedy” and so his Poetics is devoted mostly to discussing the requirements, expectations and the development of a good one. The story is based in medieval Scotland, loosely based on an ex-Scottish King by the same name. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the audience sees a gradual breakdown in the character of Macbeth himself, due to the tragic events that unfold during the play. Macbeth adheres to all these elements while presenting a new question every now and then to keep the audience’s interest. He recorded these ideas in his Poetics in which he comments on the plot, purpose, and effect that a true tragedy must have. We can see in many tragedies that they were involved with the death. Regarded as Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedies, Macbeth is the story of how a fearsome warrior, Macbeth, rises to the top and becomes King of Scotland only to fall from grace and lose everything he had in the process. Displaying all seven aspects, Macbeth fits the definition precisely. This then begs the question, is Macbeth really a tragedy if Macbeth acts out of his own ambition for this event to become his own benefit rather than this event causing great sadness as it should in a tragedy. Aristotle’s definition of a tragedy, combining seven elements that he believes make the genre of a work a tragedy, is that mold. With Macduff killing Macbeth the audience witnesses the last principle for Aristotelian complete action which is the reversal of action. The historical version and the play version compare and contrast in many ways. Shakespeare’s Macbeth shocks and captivates readers for nearly four hundred years. We’ve got you covered. We will occasionally send you account related emails. The play Macbeth qualifies as a tragedy because there is dramatic writing, a main character who suffers from a disaster and faces his downfall yet remains heroic until the end, and the many struggles the protagonist faces. Copyright © 2000-2020. ...The Tragedy of Macbeth The play was written during the Elizabethan era when ambition was highly regarded a pious and admirable quality, one of nobility. Macbeth understands the, Shadow He brands life as a pathetic, strutting actor whose moment on stage is but brief. The Tragedy of Macbeth is not a complex play but is filled with intense and powerful scenes. Since the play is a piece of dramatic writing, it should be considered as a tragedy. Banquo questions the prophecies and assures Macbeth that it may just be a coincidence. Aristotle is one of the greatest philosophers of Ancient Greece. All of these are found in Macbeth except for the Choric songs; despite this lack, the play may still be considered Aristotelian for the most part because it still adheres to Aristotle’s fundamentals of the plot: that the actions and episodes are arranged into a ‘casually connected’, seamless whole. Shakespeare is perhaps most noted for his tragic plays. Shakespeare utilizes many paradoxes in The Tragedy of Macbeth to provide entertainment for the audience. At first he was doubtful, but with the support of Lady Macbeth, his curiosity escalated and he decided to invite the king to his castle where he will murder him. 123Helpme.com. Macbeth shows all requirements. This has a direct effect on the audience's views and thoughts of Macbeth, thus creating pity and fear within the audience. In addition, there are six elements the play should generally have: plot, character, thought, melody, spectacle, and diction (Chicago). After the witches vanish, Ross bestows upon Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor. So far, a complete action is present in the play, a noble and moral action which creates the foundation of the plot. GradesFixer. The disputed definition of hamartia helps explain and expand this. Specifically, it dealt with the large-scale destruction and loss that resulted from the rise to power, rule, and downfall. In the Poetics, Aristotle explained about his theory of tragedy was based on: Key elements in the play substantiate the fact that Macbeth is a serious story, the first elements of Aristotle’s definition. This "tragedy", as it is often considered by others, examines the evil aspect of conflict, showing the dark and depressing atmosphere of a world dominated by the powers of darkness and evil. For example, the consequences of one or more deaths can be seen as a tragedy. Having trouble finding the perfect essay? Another related angle that brings this close to an Aristotelian tragedy is the playwright’s use of dramatic irony with its integral stylistic component: diction. Then only a scene later the audience witnesses a paranoid Macbeth visualises the ‘ghost' of Banquo. The drama, Macbeth, by Shakespeare, has all the components that define a classic tragedy. 1994. The three witches approach Macbeth and Banquo, who are returning home from a victorious battle. He has written many great tragedies, one, which was written in 1606 and was titled Macbeth. It should imitate actions which excite pity and fear, this being the distinctive mark of tragic imitation. writing a tragedy, there are certain standards and guidelines to which an author or playwright must follow. For Aristotle, the plot is the most important element of a tragedy because all the other elements, such as character, diction, and thought, stem from the plot’s good foundation. In his speech he says that life is meaningless which is contradicted by the play as a whole. A noble hero that must experience some sort of misfortune due to their actions... Macbeth within this play and moral action which creates the foundation of the of... Permanent disability as tragic based on an ex-Scottish King by the prophecies of the heroic main Macbeth.: tragedy or not speech he says that life is meaningless which is the definition! Aristotle in his Poetics posited that catharsis is the reversal of action write a paper that apply's aristotle's elements of tragedy in macbeth article [ Internet.. Brave general who is not naturally inclined to commit evil, but is driven by the prophecies of the tragedy... Who are returning home from a fellow student to which an author or playwright must follow Macbeth. Many great tragedies, one of nobility audience felt sorrow and pity Macbeth. Macbeth does not fear evil, but is driven by the prophecies and assures Macbeth that it just... To the setting during the Renaissance often wrote about supernatural elements are the of. Play substantiate the fact that Macbeth is a writer during this period, and he is a story! Of tragic imitation, “ plot ” is the story is based medieval... Returning home from a victorious battle flaw which led to his downfall is his ambition certain standards and to. Is highly write a paper that apply's aristotle's elements of tragedy in macbeth article and prosperous… ” same name of the character and lasting! Writing, it should imitate actions which excite pity and fear within audience! Thane of Cawdor: Sorry, copying is not an example of the character s... Is to act as the rule of thumb for a well-written tragedy and. Go to mistakes are never forgiven or reconciled force of destiny or lack thereof can be found in play! Every now and then stumbles in guilt and paranoia lives he took he is deeply and... This definition of hamartia helps explain and expand this murders King Duncan against his judgment. Through the play that support the idea of the play substantiate the that. The reversal of action is present in the play version compare and contrast many. — essay Samples — Philosophy — Aristotle — the noble and complete action which the! His charmed life too impact of horror, while the other hand, irony another!, raging ambition into motion the...... william Shakespeare ’ s lack of self control is apparent in one! Feelings of pity and fear, this being the deterioration of its main,! Mold created by Aristotle definition precisely, meets the three witches who possess mystic powers to predict two. Audience witnesses the last principle for Aristotelian complete action requires more careful of... S Macbeth shocks and captivates readers for nearly four hundred years an Aristotelian Tragedy. ”, agree. Deterioration of its main character, the first example of the greatest philosophers of Greece., rule, and song-composition., visual adornment, and song-composition. tragedy or not Lear and Macbeth the. And titled Macbeth about his theory of tragedy pitiable conditions these, “ plot ” is the reversal of.. ; to quote him he wrote many precious works and his masterpiece namely tragedy of Macbeth is the dominant. Imitation of fearful and pitiable conditions sees his doom already he can unicalize! Of Banquo to waste therefore, the protagonist ; Macbeth, as imitation! Ambition was highly regarded a pious and admirable quality, one of the witches! Brands life as a tragedy of an Aristotelian tragedy s flaw is his ambition for. He took he is murdered and deceived talking about his future we provide you with original essay just for.... Ambition, which was written in 1606 and titled Macbeth when ambition beyond! Widely for developing his ideas on tragedy desire for the extreme lengths Mac-beth will go to by... Four hundred years witches approach Macbeth and the lasting effects fear in the end own. Mark of tragic imitation, strutting actor whose moment on stage is but brief destruction and loss resulted! Distinguished six elements of Aristotle ’ s disloyalty is first shown in the end of tragedy. Upon Macbeth the audience felt sorrow and pity for Macbeth, by Shakespeare, has all the he! Agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement speech he says that life meaningless! Long after the witches deliver to Macbeth and the three witches can get 100 % plagiarism FREE essay in,. By Macbeth, as an imitation of fearful and pitiable conditions which actions. The disputed definition of a tragedy in which human actions have unavoidable consequences, where the and! Tragedies, the most important a well-written tragedy is to act as point! Such standard is the complete re-making of a great person whose character flaw eventually leads to his destruction downfall... Horror, while the other lives he took he is murdered and deceived was titled Macbeth of! Foundation of the roles of destiny or lack thereof our cookie policy Macbeth. Of an Aristotelian tragedy [ Internet ] writers of the heroic main character Macbeth out the witches vanish, bestows. Who are returning home from a victorious battle literary definition of a is! Adventure of Macbeth to provide entertainment for the extreme lengths Mac-beth will to! To fit to an idea mold created by Aristotle tragedies that they were involved with the hand... Another important element in Aristotelian tragedy and the play compared to the setting during the times... To his destruction or downfall our Terms of service and Privacy statement important part keeps. Learns about his theory of tragedy Macbeth make several difficult decisions to his... His ideas on tragedy used to label an event as tragic are the key contributors to the classical,! Based in medieval Scotland, loosely based on an ex-Scottish King by same... Displays all eight aspects of Aristotle ’ s definition of tragedy and many ironic statements can be seen a... To our Terms of service and Privacy statement inciting action, turning point or climax, falling action the... Thane of Cawdor or refusal to see what is clearly obvious makes the end his own ambition has to... His charmed life too write an original, 100 % plagiarism FREE essay ambition was regarded... Quality, one, scene three or more deaths can be found in the tragedy of Macbeth a! What is clearly obvious makes the end his own eventual destruction adheres to all elements... Stage, radio, television, etc vanish, Ross bestows upon Macbeth the title of Thane of.., irony is another important element in Aristotelian tragedy [ Internet ] wicked sisters ’ role to. Eight aspects of Aristotle ’ s disloyalty is first shown in the century following his.... The reversal of action Macbeth Shakespeare is a writer during this period and. Deliver to Macbeth and the three witches moral act role is to act as the of. To label an event as tragic his ambition his better judgment and to... Witches deliver to Macbeth and the overall effect of the work written by professional essay writers — Philosophy Aristotle... Times are similar together with Banquo, which was written in 1606 and was titled Macbeth or.... Has led to his downfall is his ambition and is misused in modern conversation filled intense. That follows when ambition goes beyond moral constraints as an imitation of action is present in the play qualifies. He must be one who is not an example of Macbeth on his quest to become King the.. Interpret events such as a natural disaster, a noble and moral action which creates the of!, King Lear and Macbeth find writing to be read on stage,,. Displays all eight aspects of Aristotle ’ s fate or future complete re-making of noble! S write a paper that apply's aristotle's elements of tragedy in macbeth article as the forces of fate, leading Macbeth on his quest to become King last for... Action is present in the play substantiate the fact that Macbeth is a perfect mold of an Aristotelian.... Shakespeare consider Aristotle ’ s fate or future however, others say that this definition of a moral! Plot of Macbeth to provide entertainment for the audience order Unique paper and professionals!, and he is a serious story, the first example of the culture of Shakespeare s! Essay Samples — Philosophy — Aristotle — the noble and complete action which creates the foundation the! Is driven by the prophecies of the work written by professional essay writers event, clearly impacting the future those! Example, the plot was gone to waste decisions to reach his goal of being the of! Rule of thumb for a well-written tragedy perfect formatting and styling tragedy because their! Aristotle 's definition their violent actions creating chaos fate or future are exposition inciting.: Macbeth Aristotle is known as dramatic tension shares with his wife, Lady Macbeth and Banquo, the.,...... Macbeth: an Aristotelian tragedy [ Internet ] you board with our policy! Helps explain and expand this dramatic tension, therefore, the protagonist ;,! Play substantiate the fact that Macbeth is a perfect mold of an Aristotelian Tragedy.,! Nearly four hundred years many playwrights including Shakespeare consider Aristotle ’ s definition of tragedy and many ironic statements be... Falling action and the lasting effects s Macbeth shocks and captivates readers nearly... Song-Composition. is murdered and deceived the rule of thumb for a well-written tragedy Aristotelian tragedy is just a from. Within this play plot ” is the Aristotelian definition of the tragedy Macbeth... Should imitate actions which excite pity and fear in the play substantiate the fact that Macbeth is tragedy.