Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Hubris is “insolence” in Greek and often refers to a protagonist’s tragic flaw of overbearing pride. This eventually causes his tragic downfall or the reversal of fortune. Often it is this hubris that causes the tragic hero to step over the moral boundaries for self-gain Example The hubris in Macbeth manifests itself as excessive ambition, which was encouraged greatly by Lady Macbeth. It is his insatiable desire for power and higher status that causes him to commit the crimes of tyranny. His over ambition is what corrupted him and overrode his considerations of his moral duty and conscience, leading to his eventual downfall. “I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on the other-

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Hamartia refers to the character’s tragic flaw. Some view hamartia as—unlike hubris—not innate, it may just be a temporary lapse of judgment. Example Some critics say that the hamartia in Macbeth is also his hubris—his over ambition. However, his tragic flaw can also be seen to be him succumbing to the disorder of the unnatural. He believes and even consults the witches (“Tell me, thou unknown power- “). This contrasts his previous image of nobility and order. He is described from “noble” and “kind” to “tyrant” and “black” later on in the play. Hence, his association with the witches and the dark powers also corrupted him to commit the devious crimes of murder.

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Peripeteia is a moment in a play (or other work) that marks a major turning point for the tragic hero. This is the point of no return when the character’s fate has changed. Example A peripeteia in Macbeth is the regicide, or killing of King Duncan. After this deed is done there is no going back. It causes an unexpected series of events to occur that are mostly beyond Macbeth’s control. This action precipitates the deaths of many others, out of Macbeth’s desperate need to protect himself from the consequences of his initial murder.

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Anagnorisis is a moment in a play (or other work) when a character makes a critical discovery, such as a hero's sudden awareness of a real situation, the realization of things as they stood, and finally, the hero's insight into a relationship. Recognition or discovery made by the tragic hero, where they learn a lesson, usually as a result of his downfall. Example Anagnorisis in Macbeth is his discovery that the witches have manipulated him with equivocations (ambiguous expressions, especially in order to mislead) "And be these juggling fiends no more believed, That palter with us in a double sense;"

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Pathos refers to the writer’s intent to invoke emotion in the audience. It is commonly used in tragedies to cause the audience to empathize or sympathize with the characters in the tragedy. Pathos can thus also refer to the power with which the writer's message moves the audience to decision or action that is driven by the emotion. Example The audience is able to empathize with the play as they already know the imminent downfall of Macbeth. Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony is key to invoking the audience’s emotions. For example, the audience is able to empathize with the sense of betrayal King Duncan felt when Macbeth was responsible for his death as King Duncan had been kind to Macbeth and even addressed him as “O valiant cousin”.

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Foil a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character. It is a character who provides a contrast to another character, thus intensifying the impact of that other character. In "Macbeth" Banquo is the main foil for the ambitious and tyrannical Macbeth. Example For instance, in Act I, scene iii, the witches appear to Banquo and Macbeth, but while Macbeth seems fascinated by the predictions of the witches, Banquo expresses doubt: But 'tis strange:/And oftentimes, to win us to our harm/ The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/Win us with honest trifles to betray 's/In deepest consequence. (ll.122-126)   Banquo's skepticism about the predictions of the witches shows him to be a virtuous man, while Macbeth believes the witches so much that he takes action to effect these predictions. While Banquo displays valor in battle, the murderous Macbeth has none.

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Peripeteia 2 Changing of events that lead to the denouement (final part of the play/film). Reversal of fortune that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero Example The escape of Fleance is the turning point or peripeteia in Macbeth's tragedy. Banquo's dying words, ordering Fleance to "revenge," remind the audience of the Witches' prophecy to Banquo: that he will be father to a line of kings, even though he himself will not attain the throne. Thus, the audience gains the first inkling of the events later to come that would topple Macbeth from his throne and leave Banquo’s descendants there instead.

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Catharsis A Greek word meaning "purification" or "cleansing". Catharsis is a term in dramatic art that describes the "emotional cleansing" sometimes depicted in a play as occurring for one or more of its characters, as well as the same phenomenon as part of the audience’s experience. It describes an extreme change in emotion, occurring as the result of experiencing strong feelings (such as sorrow, fear, pity, or even laughter). It has been described as a "purification" or a "purging" of such emotions. Example In Macbeth, the audience feels throughout the play that Macbeth’s slaying of the innocent Duncan was unjustified. Even though Macbeth feels guilty and has doubts, he still goes through with the act, which makes us unconsciously feel that he should be punished and not rewarded with the kingship. The audience has a need for closure and to purge all of these emotions about Macbeth. This need ultimately leads to the death of Macbeth, as it is the simplest and possibly the most satisfying way to purge the emotional baggage associated with Macbeth and because he finally gets his justice.

Macbeth – Key terms and Techniques Tragic Hero Through a human flaw (pride, ambition, jealousy etc) the protagonist leads to his downfall. Example  In Macbeth there are three main factors that contribute to his tragic downfall. They are the prophecy, which was told to him by the witches, how Lady Macbeth influenced and manipulated Macbeth's judgment, and finally Macbeth's long time ambition, which drove his desire to be king. Through this, Macbeth’s character degenerates.