The play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy. It follows the elements of a traditional Shakespearean tragedy that takes it's influence from Greek tragedies. The elements of a Shakespearean tragedy are: the hero is of high birth and position; he has many good qualities; the one flaw in his character is played upon by fate which brings about his downfall and death; innocent people suffer in the process, and the audience leave feeling a sense of fear, loss, pity and wastage at the end. Supernatural events, powers and elements are all essential parts of a tragedy. This fascination with the supernatural is a part of the society of the time. Many people believed in evil as a conscious force, that had a will, and many were genuinely frightened of various witches, demons, devils, ghosts and ghouls. This explains why it became a part of the tragedy as it reflects mood, and thoughts of the world at that time.
The elements of the tragedy have been followed very closely in "Macbeth". The hero is a cousin of the King, and is brave, loyal, and strong. He has defended the King on many occasions, and has won himself fame and fortune. His one character flaw is his ambitions, which with the visit of the King, his wife's speeches, and the witch's speeches, convince him to commit an evil act.
One part of this supernatural element of a tragedy is the sense of inescapable fate, which often involves predictions. It is present in "Othello" with Iago not realising the effects of what he was saying to Othello, and fate took his jealousy too far. It is present in "Romeo and Juliet". Juliet's letter does not reach Romeo. This is also why many people believe that "R & J" is not a real Shakespearean tragedy because fate plays too big a part and that their major character flaw is their possessive love for one another, which shouldn't be a character flaw. It is also present with the witches" equivocations which told Macbeth that he would become thane of Cawdor and eventually King and made him believe he was invincible.
