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About Randy Sus
Expertise
I`m a retired high school English teacher from central Wisconsin. I taught Shakespeare for years and am very familiar with his writing style, his themes, his sonnets, and most of his plays. I taught Julius Caesar, King Lear, Richard the Third, and A Midsummer Night`s Dream for years. I`ve memorized many of the lines from these plays and I know many sonnets by heart. I`d be glad to respond to questions regarding Shakespeare`s life, works, and times if anyone desired such information.

Experience
I have a master's degree in education and I take most pride in having ENJOYED teaching for over 30 years. Not everyone can honestly say that. I coached undefeated high school soccer teams for fun too. I like public relations work and have served on P.R. committees for most of my professional life. I continue to do so in retirement.
 
   

You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Books by Genre > Shakespeare > macbeth

Shakespeare - macbeth


Expert: Randy Sus - 4/2/2007

Question
Why is macbeth considered a tragedy?

Answer
Hi, Beth,

Thanks for calling upon "Allexperts" for help in appreciating why Macbeth is considered a tragedy.

The literary definition of a tragedy is a work in which the protagonist is overcome by the antagonist---in other words, when the main character (whether villain OR hero)is overcome by his opposition (again, whether hero or villain) we have a tragedy.  
Macbeth IS the main character and he IS overcome by those who oppose him.

The opposition (or antagonist) in a literary work need not be another person.  If the main character has a human weakness like drug addiction or greed--THESE can undo him.  An illness can be an antagonist.  The protagonist is simply the MAIN character, whether good or bad in nature.  

I hope this answer will serve your purpose.

Happy trails,

Randy  

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