Othello, Macbeth, Hamlet Essay

Among Shakespeares tragedies Othello, juncture, and Macbeth, the decision about which is stovepipe written ultimately needs to be clear-cut according to the virtues of the plot, causeization, and the language. The three plays have very strong points. While Macbeth is extraordinary in Shakespeares work of language, its plot is also intricate and interesting. Othello stands out in the area of characterization, while Hamlet stands out in its language. However, when tout ensemble areas of assessment are considered, Macbeth does appear to dominate as the best written of the three plays.Othello does bear a very strong and deeply intricate character in the villain Iago. Shakespeare displays his highly dainty skill in the manner in which he infuses Iago with evil. Iago is the definitive two-faced traitor, as he feigns the some iron-clad friendship with his lord Othello, while harboring the most potent resentment against him. Shakespeare creates a masterpiece in this character becaus e he achieves an effect in which Iago considerably-nigh becomes evil incarnate. The poignant hatred personifyed in all his speeches and actions highlights the play as one of Shakespeares greatest tragedies.However, the play does have a weakness that is black to its part. Its plot, though given strong impetus by the avenging cruelty and hatred of Iago, gains its momentum from what seems to be an impuissant plan. Othello implicates his wife Desdemona of adultery merely because her hired handkerchief is found in Cassios roomevidence that amounts almost to nothing. 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 inner thoughts and confusions of the characters. Hamlets speeches represent a masterpiece of insight into the human soul as it processes pain and loss. The famous to be or not to be speech is so highly regarded because it probes the mind of a man who is so deeply affected by his fathers murder and mothers betrayal that he mentally wrestles with death To die to sleep, to sleep perchance to dream ay, theres the rub.For in that sleep of death, what dreams whitethorn come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil must give us pause (III. i. 73-77). The metaphorical alter of sleep and death is a figurative achievement, and the expression of indecision as Hamlet lingers at the persuasion 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, but muddled and almost incoherent.The end in which Ophelia and all the family die leaving Fortinbras to assume the plenty is unsatisfying at the very least. These problems cause Hamlet also to be prevented in the final psychoanal ysis from being considered Shakespeares greatest tragedy. Macbeth, like Hamlet, boasts very well written and poetic lines. The expression of the evil that Macbeth feels after committing his murderous act is expressed in all its detail and rondure. In addition, it also possesses discernment and expression of character that is unexcelled in any of Shakespeares other works.Lady Macbeth rivals Iago in her talent for evilyet hers stems from nothing as petty as revenge. She seeks to exalt her husbands position in an almost self-sacrificial effort to promote 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 violator 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. vigour appears contrived. The hubris that Macbeth assumes at the behest of the witches and Lady Macbeth propel s 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.