Evoking Sympathy for Macbeth

Evoking Sympathy for Macbeth

Within Macbeth the tragedy and demise of Macbeth is an important factor in determining his character as a tragic hero. However in order to elucidate on this point we need to define what is a tragedy. Aristotle within ‘Poetics’ highlighted what characteristics he believed to define tragedy these being;

’…Imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself...in a dramatic, not narrative form; with incidents arising pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its catharsis of such emotions’

And immediately we are brought to tragedy and what the concept of a hero is. In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, the character of Macbeth murders his king, Duncan, for personal motives, there appears to be little subjective reasoning for the murder. This perhaps encapsulates the notion of an incident which has the potential to arise pity from an audience. The reader begins to pity Macbeth despite the obvious character flaws of greed and corruption. Shakespeare manipulates the audience to react sympathetically towards Macbeth through the use of Macbeth's actions, dialogue, and passion.

Throughout the story, there is a feeling of animosity toward Macbeth in response to his deleterious actions. However, scenes revealing Macbeth's more admirable side balance and even abet that negative feeling.

One particular instance where the reader has the potential to feel pity for Macbeth appears in the dialogue immediately before Macbeth decides whether or not to kill King Duncan. Macbeth is unsure of the morality of the murder. During much self-deliberation, he agonizes in the monologue,

"I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed" (I.vii.14-15).

While Macbeth contemplates whether murdering Duncan is feasible, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth that he would murder Duncan if he were truly brave and masculine. Lady Macbeth goes on to remark that if he murders Duncan, Macbeth

"would be so much more the man" (I.vii.58).

A weak Macbeth gives in to his wife's badgering and manipulation and reluctantly agrees to participate in the murder. The audience feels sympathy for an insecure Macbeth as he begins his spiral into ultimate destruction. It appears that without the push of Lady Macbeth the deed would have been unlikely to have taken place.

Another instance in which Macbeth seems weak and pitiable is at the banquet held in his honor. Before the dinner party begins, Macbeth orders the assassination of his friend Banquo.