“English and Greek Tragedy”

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Question 1: Who is responsible for the tragic downfall of Macbeth?

Some key contributors to Macbeth's tragic downfall are:

1.Macbeth Himself:
Macbeth bears the primary responsibility for his own downfall. His ambition and desire for
power lead him to make morally corrupt choices. He willingly embraces the prophecies of the
witches and allows his ambition to override his sense of morality. Macbeth's actions, including
the murder of King Duncan and others, set in motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to
his downfall.
2. Lady Macbeth:
Lady Macbeth plays a significant role in Macbeth's downfall. She goads and manipulates
Macbeth into committing regicide to fulfill their ambitions. Her persuasion and questioning of
his masculinity push Macbeth further into a path of violence and moral corruption.
3. The Witches:
The prophecies of the witches serve as a catalyst for Macbeth's downfall. They plant the idea
of kingship and spur Macbeth's ambition. The witches' ambiguous and deceptive prophecies
fuel Macbeth's desire for power and contribute to his moral decline.
4. Forces of Fate and Destiny:
The play explores the interplay between fate and free will. While Macbeth is responsible for
his choices and actions, there is a sense that fate and supernatural forces play a role in shaping
his destiny. The prophecies of the witches and the visions he sees serve as omens of his
downfall, suggesting that his fate may have been predetermined to some extent.
Question 2: Themes of Macbeth.

"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1606, explores numerous themes. Some
prominent themes are given below:
1.Ambition: Ambition is a central theme in "Macbeth." The play delves into the corrupting
and destructive nature of unchecked ambition. Macbeth's desire for power drives him to
commit heinous acts, leading to his downfall and the disruption of the natural order.
2. Fate versus Free Will:
The interplay between fate and free will is a recurring theme in "Macbeth." While the witches'
prophecies suggest a predetermined path for Macbeth, his actions and choices play a
significant role in shaping his destiny. The play raises questions about the extent to which
individuals can control their own fate.
3.Corruption and Power: The corrupting influence of power is a significant theme in
"Macbeth." As Macbeth ascends to the throne, he becomes increasingly tyrannical and morally
bankrupt. The play explores how the pursuit and acquisition of power can lead to corruption
and the erosion of one's moral compass.
4.Gender Roles: "Macbeth" challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. Lady
Macbeth, in particular, defies societal norms by manipulating and exerting power over her
husband. The play explores the complexities of gender dynamics and the consequences of
disrupting traditional gender roles.
Question 3. Macbeth as an English Tragedy

"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is widely regarded as a tragedy. Some elements that make
it a tragedy are given below:
1.Tragic Hero:
"Macbeth" revolves around the tragic hero, Macbeth himself. He is a noble and respected
figure at the beginning of the play but becomes consumed by his ambition and descends into
moral corruption. Macbeth's tragic flaw and his ultimate downfall are central to the play's
tragic nature.
2. Supernatural Elements:
The inclusion of supernatural elements is a characteristic feature of English tragedy, and
"Macbeth" incorporates them through the presence of the witches and their prophecies. The
supernatural elements influence Macbeth's actions and contribute to the tragic events that
unfold.
3. Ambition and Fatal Flaw:
Ambition and a fatal flaw in the protagonist are prominent features of English tragedy, and
they are evident in "Macbeth." Macbeth's insatiable (greedy,uncontrollable) ambition drives
him to commit regicide and engage in further acts of violence, leading to his tragic undoing.
His fatal flaw is his unchecked ambition, which blinds him to moral considerations and results
in his downfall.
4. Catharsis:
"Macbeth" evokes strong emotions in the audience, particularly through the portrayal of
intense guilt, remorse, and the tragic downfall of the protagonist. The play offers a cathartic
release of emotions as the audience witnesses the consequences of Macbeth's actions.
5. Atmosphere of Darkness and Evil:
English tragedies often evoke an atmosphere of darkness, evil, and moral decay. "Macbeth"
immerses the audience in a world filled with imagery of blood, violence, and supernatural
occurrences. The pervasive sense of darkness intensifies the tragic tone and highlights the
moral corruption that engulfs the characters.
6.Soliloquy:
Definition: A soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud,
usually when alone on stage.
Soliloquies in Macbeth serve as a crucial feature of English tragedy and allow characters to
express their innermost thoughts and emotions directly to the audience. Through soliloquies,
characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth reveal their motivations, fears, and moral
dilemmas, which creates a deep connection with the audience.
Ex. Macbeth's "Is this a dagger which I see before me" soliloquy (Act 2, Scene 1) and Lady
Macbeth's "Out, damned spot!" soliloquy (Act 5, Scene 1).
Question 4. Themes of Doctor Faustus

"Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe explores several themes throughout the play. Some
of the prominent themes include:
1.Ambition and Desire for Power:
The play delves into the consequences of unchecked ambition and the desire for ultimate
power. Faustus, the protagonist, is willing to make a pact with the devil in exchange for
supernatural knowledge and worldly pleasures, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
2. Knowledge and Forbidden Wisdom:
Faustus seeks knowledge beyond the limits of human understanding and is willing to defy
religious and moral boundaries to obtain it. The play raises questions about the pursuit of
knowledge and the consequences of seeking knowledge that is forbidden or beyond human
capacity.
3. Good and Evil: The struggle between good and evil is a central theme in "Doctor
Faustus." Faustus is torn between his aspirations for greatness and the moral consequences of
his actions. The play explores the nature of evil, the temptations it presents, and the potential
for redemption.
4. Religion and Faith:
"Doctor Faustus" presents a complex relationship between religion and human desires. The
play examines the tension between religious devotion and the pursuit of personal ambitions,
as well as the role of faith, repentance, and redemption in the face of sin and damnation.
Question 5. Renaissance features in Doctor Faustus

"Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe is a play that embodies several features of the
Renaissance. Some of the key features of the Renaissance found in "Doctor Faustus" include:
1.Humanism:
Humanism, a prominent intellectual movement during the Renaissance, emphasized the
importance of human potential, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. In "Doctor
Faustus," Faustus embodies the humanistic ideals of seeking knowledge beyond traditional
limits and exploring his own potential.
2. Individualism:
Renaissance thinkers celebrated the individual and their abilities, focusing on personal
achievements and self-expression. Faustus, as a character, embodies individualism by defying
societal norms, pursuing his own desires, and making choices based on his personal ambitions.
3. Revival of Classical Knowledge:
The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in the classical works of ancient Greece and Rome.
"Doctor Faustus" incorporates classical elements, drawing inspiration from the story of
Faustus, a legendary figure associated with seeking forbidden knowledge. The play also
includes references to classical mythology and philosophy, such as Faustus's summoning of
demons and his contemplation of the heavens.
4. Exploration of Human Potential:
The Renaissance was marked by a fascination with human capabilities and the exploration of
new ideas. In "Doctor Faustus," Faustus's quest for knowledge and power reflects the
Renaissance spirit of exploring the boundaries of human potential. He engages in scientific
experimentation, studies magic and the occult, and seeks to transcend human limitations.
5. Conflict between Tradition and Innovation:
The Renaissance witnessed a clash between traditional religious beliefs and emerging secular
and scientific ideas. "Doctor Faustus" explores this conflict through Faustus's struggle between
his religious upbringing and his desire for forbidden knowledge. The play raises questions
about the tension between traditional values and the pursuit of new ideas.
Question.6 Biography of Christopher Marlowe

Introduction:
Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was an English playwright, poet, and translator who is
considered one of the most important figures in Elizabethan drama. He was a contemporary
(lived at the same time) of William Shakespeare and made significant contributions to English
literature with his powerful and innovative plays.
Marlowe's career was tragically cut short when he was killed at the age of 29.
Education:
Christopher Marlowe was born in 1564 in Canterbury, England. He was the son of a
shoemaker. Marlowe received a scholarship to study at the King's School in Canterbury and
later attended Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he received his Bachelor of Arts
degree in 1584.
University Wits:
University Wits, a set of literary men, played a significant role in the development of
Elizabethan drama. Of this little constellation ( a group of stars in a pattern), Marlowe was the
central sun, and round him revolved as minor stars, Lyly, Greene, Peele, Lodge, and Nash.
Marlow made the blank verse supple (easily bent or twisted), and flexible to suit drama, and
thus made the work of Shakespeare in this respect easy. He gave coherence and unity to drama,
which it was formerly lacking.
Career as a Dramatist:
➢ Marlowe's career as a dramatist began while he was still a student at Cambridge. His first
play, "Dido, Queen of Carthage" (circa(around) 1587), was a collaboration with the
playwright Thomas Nashe although it was published posthumously (after his death).
➢ Marlowe's most famous and first published play is "Tamburlaine the Great" (c. 1587-
1588). It is a two-part epic drama that follows the rise and fall of the ambitious and ruthless
conqueror Tamburlaine. The play revolutionized English drama with its powerful blank
verse, grand themes, and larger-than-life protagonist. It established Marlowe's reputation
as a leading playwright of his time.
➢ Other significant works by Marlowe include:
➢ "The Jew of Malta" (c. 1589),
➢ "Edward II" (c. 1592)
➢ "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1588)