Mature Tragedy In Romeo And Juliet By William Shakespeare
1) What is the definition of mature tragedy and what are the features of Macbeth that is typical of this genre?
Essentially, a ‘mature’ tragedy is defined as a tragedy whereby the protagonist meets his or her demise as a direct result of an inherent flaw in character, or a misdeed committed on his or her behalf. Shakespeare has written four main ‘mature’ tragedies, and all embody one essential factor: the dramatic, self-constructed collapse of a ‘hero’ type character. To contrast, an ‘immature’ tragedy is where the cause of a character’s downfall is purely circumstantial, and not in any way a result of the protagonist or a main character’s actions. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the epitome of an ‘immature’ tragedy, as Romeo and Juliet …show more content…
In Macbeth’s following words, he also reveals that he wishes for darkness so that he will not have to witness his own hand committing the murder of Duncan.
• “And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp. “
Imagery in this line is obvious – a lantern smothered by an intensely dark night. In this line, Shakespeare re-introduces the ever-present ‘Good vs. Evil’ motif. He poses an interesting question to the audience at this point: Is darkness (evil) more powerful and prevalent than light (good)?
• “Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse the curtained sleep;”
Again, a reference to evil deeds and the nighttime. ‘Wicked dreams’ could very well also conjure imagery of witchcraft, which is also strongly associated with evil. The word ‘curtained’ is either in reference to curtains drawn around a bed, or closed eyelids in sleep (the eyelids as ‘curtains for the eyes’).
• “… alarumed by his sentinel the wolf, whose howl’s his …show more content…
Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.” Three and all multiples of three are considered important and above all magical numbers amongst the witches. Since the early days of witchcraft and paganism, three has been an integral part of the practice, such as the ‘Three-fold law’. Incidentally, Macbeth commits three murders; that of King Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff. Macbeth also receives three prophecies from the witches: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and then king. Finally, it should be noted that during the final apparition of the witches, a line of eight kings is shown along with a mutilated Banquo. So, there are three groups of three. This is supported by a united chant of the witches: “Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine, and thrice again to make up
Essentially, a ‘mature’ tragedy is defined as a tragedy whereby the protagonist meets his or her demise as a direct result of an inherent flaw in character, or a misdeed committed on his or her behalf. Shakespeare has written four main ‘mature’ tragedies, and all embody one essential factor: the dramatic, self-constructed collapse of a ‘hero’ type character. To contrast, an ‘immature’ tragedy is where the cause of a character’s downfall is purely circumstantial, and not in any way a result of the protagonist or a main character’s actions. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the epitome of an ‘immature’ tragedy, as Romeo and Juliet …show more content…
In Macbeth’s following words, he also reveals that he wishes for darkness so that he will not have to witness his own hand committing the murder of Duncan.
• “And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp. “
Imagery in this line is obvious – a lantern smothered by an intensely dark night. In this line, Shakespeare re-introduces the ever-present ‘Good vs. Evil’ motif. He poses an interesting question to the audience at this point: Is darkness (evil) more powerful and prevalent than light (good)?
• “Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse the curtained sleep;”
Again, a reference to evil deeds and the nighttime. ‘Wicked dreams’ could very well also conjure imagery of witchcraft, which is also strongly associated with evil. The word ‘curtained’ is either in reference to curtains drawn around a bed, or closed eyelids in sleep (the eyelids as ‘curtains for the eyes’).
• “… alarumed by his sentinel the wolf, whose howl’s his …show more content…
Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.” Three and all multiples of three are considered important and above all magical numbers amongst the witches. Since the early days of witchcraft and paganism, three has been an integral part of the practice, such as the ‘Three-fold law’. Incidentally, Macbeth commits three murders; that of King Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff. Macbeth also receives three prophecies from the witches: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and then king. Finally, it should be noted that during the final apparition of the witches, a line of eight kings is shown along with a mutilated Banquo. So, there are three groups of three. This is supported by a united chant of the witches: “Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine, and thrice again to make up