Othello, Macbeth, Hamlet Essay

Among Shakespeares trage analyses Othello, village, and Macbeth, the decision ab kayoed which is outdo written ultimately de gayd to be decided according to the virtues of the piece, characterization, and the language. The three plays have very operose points. While Macbeth is extraordinary in Shakespeares use of language, its plot is withal intricate and interesting. Othello stands out in the area of characterization, while Hamlet stands out in its language. However, when altogether areas of assessment are considered, Macbeth does appear to dominate as the best written of the three plays.Othello does possess a very punishing and deeply intricate character in the villain Iago. Shakespeare displays his highly subtle skill in the manner in which he infuses Iago with evil. Iago is the definitive duplicitous traitor, as he feigns the almost iron-clad friendship with his lord Othello, while harboring the most potent resentment against him. Shakespeare creates a masterpiece in t his character because he achieves an effect in which Iago almost becomes evil incarnate. The poignant hatred represent in all his speeches and actions highlights the play as one of Shakespeares great tragedies.However, the play does have a weakness that is fatal to its position. Its plot, though run strong impetus by the avenging cruelty and hatred of Iago, gains its momentum from what seems to be an impotent plan. Othello implicates his wife Desdemona of adultery merely because her handkerchief is found in Cassios roomevidence that amounts almost to nonhing. The weakness of this link from Iagos hatred to his ruin of Othello is too great for the play to be considered the best of Shakespeares tragedies.The tragedy of Hamlet excels in the language that Shakespeare uses to express the interior thoughts and confusions of the characters. Hamlets speeches represent a masterpiece of insight into the military man soul as it processes pain and loss. The famous to be or not to be speec h is so highly regarded because it probes the mind of a man who is so deeply affected by his fathers writ of execution and mothers betrayal that he mentally wrestles with death To die to peace, to sleep perchance to dream ay, theres the rub.For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil must give us pause (III. i. 73-77). The metaphorical mingling of sleep and death is a figurative achievement, and the reflection of perplexity as Hamlet lingers at the sentiment of death gives the play a literary and lyrical edge. Still, this play has plot problems as well. It seems to drag on with Hamlets constant indecision and his antic disposition. His relationship with Ophelia is nebulous, yet its complications are not well expressed, still muddled and almost incoherent.The end in which Ophelia and all the family die divergence Fortinbras to assume the throne is unsatisfying at the very least. These problems cause Hamlet also to be prevented i n the final analysis from being considered Shakespeares greatest tragedy. Macbeth, like Hamlet, boasts very well written and poetic lines. The expression of the guilt that Macbeth feels after committing his murderous act is expressed in all its detail and rondure. In addition, it also possesses depth and expression of character that is best in any of Shakespeares other works. maam Macbeth rivals Iago in her faculty for evilyet hers stems from nothing as petty as revenge. She seeks to exhilarate her husbands position in an almost self-sacrificial effort to leaven him. She shows clarity and decisiveness in a way that Hamlet does not, as she carries out her intention with no alloy of fear or hesitancy. In addition to the beauty of the language and the depth of characterization, Macbeths plot (though in some ways fantastical) carries itself naturally toward the end that it is given.Nothing appears contrived. The hubris that Macbeth assumes at the behest of the witches and Lady Macbe th propels him gradually and naturally toward his murder of King Duncan and eventually toward his death at the hand of Macduff. The combination of excellences in the three areas of plot, characterization, and language tips the scale in favour of Macbeth as the greatest tragedy written by William Shakespeare.