Contents

Write an essay on the plot construction in Macbeth.

Introduction- The plots of Shakespeare’s tragedies are romantic because they are free from classical rules. In classical plots no comic relief is introduced. Shakespeare’s tragedies have not unities of time, place and action. In these tragedies destiny is subordinate to character and many comic scenes are introduced. Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ has a romantic plot.

‘Macbeth‘ is a great tragedy. Still Shakespearer introduced scenes of comedy in it. These scenes provide comic relief in the general atmosphere of horror and blood shed. When Duncan reaches Macbeth’s castle, being unknown of Lady Macbeth’s evil thoughts, the praise the castle and the hostess. His speeches produce comic relief.

Liberate from classical Unities-Shakespeare’s tragedies do not follow classical unities of place, time and action. According to the unity of time, the action of the play should not exceed the length of a natural day. In ‘Macbeth’ the time of seventeen years is covered. The unity of place does not permit visits to distant places for the time limit is a natural day. In ‘Macbeth’s this unity is not followed for the two princes leave Scotland for England and Ireland. Macduf reaches England and inspires Malcolm to attack Scotland. Malcolm with English forces attacks Macbeth. It is clear the unity of place is not followed for all these movements from one country to the other are not possible in a day. The unity of action is not followed in Macbeth for the action of seventeen years is dramatized on the stage.

Character is Destiny- Shakespeare’s plots present the important of characters. In a classical tragedy plot becomes more important than character. But Shakespeare’s tragedies expose superiority of Character to plot. In these tragedies, the Psychology of the hero is exposed. The hero is not a puppet in the hands of his destiny. He makes his own destiny. It is something else that the weaknesses of his character dominate and he fails to take the right decision. In ‘Macbeth’ destiny plays a subordinate part when witches predict, lady Macbeth provokes and by chance Duncan stays in Macbeth’s castle. But Macbeth has the thought of Duncan’s murder in his mind ever before meeting the witches.

Distinguished scenes- Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ has some remarkable scenes. These scenes are very interesting and effective. The most remarkable of all scenes are The Dagger Scene’, ‘The Murder Scene’, ‘The Porter Scene’, The Banquet Scene’, The Apparition Scene’ and ‘The Sleep Walking Scene’.

The Dagger Scene-Jus before Duncan’s murder when Macbeth is all alone in his chamber he is surprised to see an imaginary dagger before him. He tries to catch it but fails. The dagger leads him to Duncan’s chamber The scene exposes Macbeth’s foul thoughts.

Horror and The Murder Scene-The murder of Duncan makes it clear that without the help of his life, Macbeth would have never killed Duncan. He fears seeing his bloody hands. It exposes the nobility of his character.

The Porter Scene- Just before discovery of Duncan’s murder the scene is introduced. The porter of Macbeth’s castle imagines that he guards the hell gate and speaks many interesting things passing satire on contemporary society. The scene gives comic relief.

The Banquet scene-Macbeth invites all lords and thanes to attend the banquet. He gets Banquo murdered. In the banquet Banquo’s ghost upsets him.

The Apparition Scene-Being horrified of Banquo’s ghost, Macbeth meets witches which present three appartions before him. These apparitions predict strange things that none of woman born shall harm Macbeth and

The Sleep Walking Scene- Just before Lady Macbeth’s death the scene is introduced. It exposes lady Macbeth’s Psychology. She walks in sound sleep expressing her feeling of guilt.

Here is smell of blood still, all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.

Thus ‘Macbeth’ is a preat tragedy. Its plot is truely romantic.