The Tragic Flaw
The idea of the "tragic flaw" is a key motif in this text. Bradley discusses the idea in relation to Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello, discussing the tragic flaw of each eponymous protagonist.
Ghosts
Bradley discusses the fact that Macbeth and Hamlet both include the appearance of a ghost. These ghosts symbolize different things, according to Bradley. For example, Bradley argues that the ghost in Hamlet is:
"Representative of that hidden ultimate power, the messenger of divine justice set upon the expiation of offences which it appeared impossible for man to discover and avenge, a reminder or a symbol of the connexion of the limited world of ordinary experience with the vaster life of which it is but a partial appearance."
Tragedy
The idea of tragedy is a key motif in this text. Bradley deconstructs this term, taking Shakespeare's most popular tragic plays and analyses their similarities and differences. Overall, this text offers an insight into the nature of Shakespearean tragedy, and what it is characterized by.
The Witches
The Witches are a key symbol in Macbeth, but Bradley challenges the assertion that they are simply a representation of Macbeth's inner conflict. Instead, Bradley offers a deeper reading of their symbolism, including their impact on the atmosphere of the play, as well as the fact they represent the impact of external forces upon personal decisions.
Lady Macbeth and the sublime
Bradley connects the character of Lady Macbeth symbolically to the wider impact of Macbeth as a play. He argues that although Lady Macbeth is unlikeable, she is "sublime," which reflects the overall sublime nature of Macbeth.
