THE TRAGEDY THAT IS MACBETH Shakespeare's “Macbeth” explores a fundamental struggle of human conscience. The reader is transported on the journey of a man who recognizes and acknowledges evil but still succumbs to its destructive powers. Macbeth's character is shrouded in ambiguity which scholars have affirmed as both a tyrant and a tragic hero. Macbeth's inner turmoil and the anxieties that oppress him throughout the entire play evoke sympathy and pity in the reader. Although he has the characteristics of an irredeemable tyrant, Macbeth realizes his mistakes and knows that there is no redemption for his sins. And this is truly tragic. A tragic hero is a nobleman who comes to a tragic end as the result of a deliberate choice – not as a result of fate or coincidence (Mrs. Horne). Macbeth is presented in the play as a brilliant general. Wayne Booth comments that for the audience to recognize Macbeth's downfall, he had to be "a man worthy of our admiration" (25). Therefore, Macbeth's loyalty and courage are emphasized to amplify his tragic end. Lady Macbeth points out that her husband is "too full of the milk of human kindness" (1.5.16) while Duncan is eternally grateful to "noble Macbeth" (1.2.77). Macbeth is awarded the title Thane of Cawdor for his valor in battle. This calls into question his dormant ambition or his fatal flaw. The use of “aside” in Shakespearean plays “indicates a state of intense mental concern” (Mehl 111) in the character, as well as providing the genuine truth to the audience. In Macbeth's part in Act 1, scene 3, this technique is used to induce sympathy in the reader or viewers. We realize that Macbeth is tempted to kill Duncan, but is also horrified at the idea, “for I will yield to that suggestion… middle of paper…vengeance, and engage Macbeth in a sword-fight. Macbeth is confident. However, he is quickly crushed when Macduff boldly states that he was “torn prematurely” (5.8.20) from his mother's womb. At this moment, Macbeth understands the full extent of the witches' deception. He no longer lives a charmed life of invincibility and must fight for his life. This is where Macbeth's courage returns when he refuses to give up, “Yet I will try the last” (5.8.37). The story of Macbeth highlights the inherent goodness found in all of us, but also the evil that lies within us, unnourished. Although there is no redemption for Macbeth's evil sins, he eventually comes to recognize his crimes and thus can cause pity in the eyes of the audience. Macbeth's psychological journey from brave general to “dead butcher” (5.9.41) truly deserves to be called a tragedy.