Prompt: How does Macbeth elicit pity and fear in the audience?
Introduction: Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies, is a play that evokes strong emotions in its audience. Throughout the course of the play, Macbeth’s character undergoes a transformation from a noble and valiant warrior to a morally corrupt and power-hungry individual. This essay will explore how Macbeth elicits both pity and fear in the audience through his tragic downfall.
Thesis: Macbeth elicits pity and fear in the audience by portraying a character who is initially admirable but succumbs to his ambition, leading to his own destruction and the destruction of those around him.
Body Paragraph 1: One way Macbeth elicits pity in the audience is through his initial portrayal as a brave and loyal soldier. In Act 1, Scene 2, the Captain describes Macbeth’s heroic actions in battle, stating, “For brave Macbeth…disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel…carved out his passage till he faced the slave” (1.2.18-23). This description highlights Macbeth’s courage and skill in combat, making him an admirable figure in the eyes of the audience. However, as the play progresses, Macbeth’s ambition begins to overshadow his noble qualities. This contrast between his initial heroism and subsequent downfall creates a sense of sympathy for Macbeth.
Furthermore, Macbeth’s internal struggle and guilt also elicit pity from the audience. After killing King Duncan, Macbeth is plagued by guilt and remorse. In Act 2, Scene 2, he says, “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” (2.2.78-79). This soliloquy reveals Macbeth’s torment and his realization of the irreversible consequences of his actions. The audience witnesses his inner turmoil and cannot help but feel sorry for him as he grapples with the moral implications of his choices.
Body Paragraph 2: Macbeth also elicits fear in the audience through his descent into madness and ruthlessness. As he becomes more consumed by his ambition, Macbeth becomes increasingly willing to commit heinous acts to secure his position. In Act 3, Scene 4, he orders the murder of Macduff’s wife and children, showing no remorse for his actions. This cold-bloodedness instills fear in the audience as they witness the extent to which Macbeth is willing to go to maintain his power.
Moreover, Macbeth’s interactions with supernatural forces contribute to the sense of fear. The witches’ prophecies and their influence on Macbeth’s actions create an atmosphere of supernatural dread. In Act 4, Scene 1, Macbeth seeks out the witches again for more prophecies, demonstrating his reliance on their dark powers. This reliance on supernatural forces adds an element of terror to the play, as the audience witnesses the consequences of tampering with such forces.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Macbeth elicits both pity and fear in the audience through his tragic downfall. Initially portrayed as a brave and honorable figure, Macbeth’s ambition leads him down a path of destruction and moral corruption. The contrast between his initial qualities and subsequent actions creates a sense of sympathy for his character. Additionally, his descent into madness and reliance on supernatural forces instills fear in the audience. Through these elements, Shakespeare effectively evokes strong emotions in the audience, making Macbeth a timeless tragedy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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