Macbeth: What Makes the Tragedy

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, one witnesses a tragedy fed by corruption and desire. What lures one to Macbeth is the transformation that occurs in the character Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, when the witches make a telling prediction, Macbeth finds this a little unsettling. At this point, he would not feel comfortable with murdering innocent victims. It is not until the influence of his defiantly feminist wife falls over him that he is able to carry out the prophecy. The novel begins with blood from war, however it is not until blood drips on Macbeth's hands that the novel really progresses. With each person that Macbeth slays, on his bloody path to the throne, desire and corruption grow within him. He becomes consumed by his quest for power and will not let anything stand in his way. As a tragedy is bound to end, Macbeth is eventually killed by Macduff. This creates a powerful death for Macbeth because he fights vigorously until the end. Macduff is able to feel some vengeance although this does not bring his family back. Shakespeare uses many methods to propel the tragedy forward, including foreshadowing, symbolism, and diction.
It is important to understand why the trio of witches begins the play. The solemn, almost disheartening, meeting sets a tone of darkness. The witches meet during thunder and lightning, which emphasizes the evil lurking. The connection of bad weather and evil is enforced with the departing of the witches.

	"When shall we three meet again?
	In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" (Act 1, scene i. 1-2)

The use of weather and meeting again foreshadows to the darkness that awaits. It is important to note that they do not mention sunshine or an overcast day to meet. They will commence when the darkness begins to surface.
The phrase that is reads "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" furthers the tone and foreshadows to the behavior that will ensue in the tragedy (Act 1, scene i. 13-14). This contradictory phrase draws attention to the weather but, also, sets up the reader for the uncertainties that are in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, especially, deceive the other characters. The two characters are not who they appear to be, as this quote foreshadows. This creates confusion for the reader. The "fair" and "foul" could also represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although Macbeth becomes foul, he was once fair. It was the persistence of his foul wife that turned him foul.