Macbeth is a classic Shakespearean tragedy with elements that are easily identified and illustrated on tragedy throughout the play. The main aspects of tragedy that I have encountered in the play are a protagonist (Macbeth) who is of noble birth and holds good fortune approaches a tragic flaw leading him to his misfortune and death.
             Macbeth, being the protagonist seems to possess a good fortune at the beginning of the play. He is an honored and valiant Scottish hero who has just won his greatest battle against Macdonwald and the Thane of Cawdor, the traitors of his king, King Duncan. The king upon hearing the news of Macbeth's victory, names him the Thane of Cawdor:
             No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive
             Our bosom interest: go, pronounce his present death,
             And with his former title greet Macbeth.
             Macbeth's courageous fighting earns him a reputation of a brave warrior. Soldiers glorify him "...For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name..." (I.2.18). He is complimented by his colleague, Banquo "Worthy Macbeth..." (I.3.162). Furthermore he earns respect from King Duncan "O Valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!" (I.2.26). Unfortunately Macbeth's good fortune alters as he stumbles upon the three evil witches.
             When Macbeth encounters the three evil witches, his tragic flaw begins to shine through. The three witches plant the idea of Macbeth becoming king in his head by greeting him as the Thane of Glamis, which he is, as the Thane of Cawdor, which he is also but has not heard of yet and this causes him some confusion. Lastly they greet him as the future king, of which he is bewildered and stunned to hear of:
             First Witch: All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!
             Second Witch: All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of
             Third Witch: All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter.
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