Sympathy for the tragic hero of MacbethA tragedy according to Aristotle within the 'Poetics' is;'...Imitation of a serious action and also, as it is endowed with greatness, complete in itself. ..in dramatic and non-narrative form; with incidents that arouse pity and fear, with which to achieve the catharsis of such emotions. In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, the character Macbeth kills his king, Duncan, for personal reasons, there appears to be little subjective reasoning for the murder. This perhaps encapsulates the notion of an incident having the potential to elicit pity from the public. The reader pities Macbeth despite the obvious character flaws of greed and corruption. Shakespeare manipulates the audience into reacting sympathetically towards Macbeth through the use of Macbeth's actions, dialogue, and passion. Throughout the story, there is a feeling of animosity towards Macbeth in response to his deleterious actions. However, the scenes reveal Macbeth's most admirable lateral balance and even foster that negative feeling. One particular instance in which the reader has the potential to feel pity for Macbeth appears in the dialogue immediately before Macbeth decides whether or not to kill King Duncan. Macbeth is unsure of the morality of murder. During much self-deliberation, he agonizes in monologue: "I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against action" (I.vii.14-15). While Macbeth ponders whether killing Duncan is feasible, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth that he would kill Duncan if he were truly brave and masculine. Lady Macbeth goes on to point out that if she killed Duncan, Macbeth "would be much more of a man" (I.vii.58). A weak Macbeth succumbs to his wife's harassment and manipulation and reluctantly agrees to participate in the murder. The audience feels sympathy for an insecure Macbeth as he begins his spiral toward ultimate destruction. It seems that without Lady Macbeth's push the act would hardly have taken place. Another instance where Macbeth seems weak and pitiful is at the banquet held in his honor. Before dinner begins, Macbeth orders the murder of his friend Banquo. After Banquo is killed, his ghost attends Macbeth's banquet, visible only to Macbeth. The chain of events that occur at the party lends sympathy to Macbeth. His deteriorating mental state becomes known to all when he first sees the ghost. He shouts at the guests, asking who played the cruel joke.