Shakespearean tragedies have a profound effect on the hearts of the readers. It is
a soul-stirring experience for all those who read them. As a great dramatist,
Shakespeare touches our hearts and induces tempestuous turbulence. This makes
our hearts clean of lowly passions, as stormy tides cleanse the sea, leaving smirch out on
the shores.
It is therefore worthwhile to trace out such tempestuous moves in three of his great
tragedies, viz., Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth. Such an exercise is an attempt towards a
unique and gratifying way to appreciate these tragedies.
Interestingly, Shakespeare has created tragedies which are befitting examples to the
definition of tragedy given by Aristotle. He said:
Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain
magnitude; in a language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the
several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action not
of narrative, through pity and fear effecting the proper Katharsis, or purgation
of these emotions (Butcher, 2002, p. 240).
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