A.C. Bradley’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” Summary (Part I)

A.C. Bradley Pictured (I didn't have a lot to work with here)

A.C. Bradley begins by stating that Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the last of the four great tragedies. One of which is Hamlet.  He goes on to compare Macbeth to Hamlet stating that they are similar in their initial appeal (involvement of supernatural elements without the same spectacle of greek tragedies)  but are different in how they portray tragedy. He is quick to mention that the viewer has a closer connection with the characters of Macbeth because they are not as outright evil as characters in Hamlet. (Going back to the introduction where it is stated that the fear the play produces comes from questioning of ones self). He also mentions that the pace and flow of language of Macbeth is quicker, enhancing the tragedy.

He then goes on to talk about the atmosphere Macbeth puts off (notable that he states it is a “rule” that every Shakespeare play must have it’s own unique atmosphere). He makes note that a frequent sign of evil in Macbeth is mention of darkness. Now, while many plays feature the theme of darkness leading to or being caused by evil, Macbeth is notable for it’s use of light to break up the darkness. The light dimly shimmering in the dark is intended to give an image of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. We know they are not completely evil (dark) and what scares us is the good still somewhere inside of them (light). He pushes that blood is another use of imagery that is important throughout the play, almost as if it stains the pages itself. Blood is important because of it’s liquid nature. It is strewn throughout the play, marking everything Macbeth touches with shame and guilt.

Then Bradley discusses the use of dramatic irony in Macbeth stating that is perhaps the best use of it ever. Several quotes and precise timing decisions incite a sense of dread in the audience because they know something bad is coming, though the characters in the play do not. The fear builds up over time, not through scary use of the witches or extreme violence but with building tension and foreshadowing that causes the viewer unimaginable worry.