In this essay I will be comparing the Shakespearian tragedy "Macbeth" to an example of Greek tragedy, "Oedipus Rex".
The fall of Macbeth is very different from that of Oedipus.
Macbeth's downfall is due to his own personal decisions but in Oedipus' case his downfall was due to nothing but fate and the will of the gods and so it was unavoidable as such. These downfalls are both different forms of tragic aspects. Macbeth causes his own downfall but Oedipus does not knowingly commit any real sins; the gods controlled him.
In Greek tragedy plot was always emphasized over character; everyone wore masks. These masks would seem to mask a person's character. This would make the character seem more universal. The mask-wearing protagonist lacks individual personality and character. This makes catharsis more relevant because the protagonist is not as individual but more universal; they could be anyone.
Macbeth is an individual person; he has no mask. …
