1. Macbeth's fall from grace: Macbeth begins the play as a noble and respected warrior, revered by his king and countrymen. His descent into darkness, driven by his ambition and the manipulations of the witches, makes his downfall all the more tragic. The audience witnesses his transformation from hero to a ruthless tyrant , and this fall from grace evokes pity for the depths to which he has sunk.
2. Macbeth's internal conflict: Throughout the play, Macbeth struggles with his conscience and experiences intense guilt and remorse for his actions. The audience is privy to his inner turmoil and the mental torment he endures as he grapples with the consequences of his choices. His soliloquies reveal his anguish, self-loathing, and the toll that his actions have taken on his soul, evoking empathy for his suffering.
3. Lady Macbeth's role and fate: Lady Macbeth, the driving force behind Macbeth's initial actions, eventually succumbs to madness and guilt, meeting a tragic end. Her descent paralleled that of Macbeth, and he's left alone to face the consequences of their shared deeds. Witnessing her decline and the profound effect of her actions on both of their live deepened the audience's sense of pity for Macbeth.
4. The witches' manipulation: Macbeth is undoubtedly responsible for his actions, but the audience is also aware of the role that the witches play in his downfall. Their prophesies and manipulation prey upon his ambition and vulnerabilities, setting him on a path of destruction. This adds a layer of complexity to Macbeth's downfall and makes it easier to feel sympathy for a man who fell victim to supernatural forces.
5. The restoration of order: The ending of the play sees the restoration of the rightful king and the end of Macbeth's tyrannical reign. While this is necessary for the return of stability to Scotland, it highlights Macbeth's ultimate failure and the loss of everything he once held dear. The contrast between his former glory and his current state elicits pity for the tragic figure he has become.
These elements combine to create a sense of pity for Macbeth in the play's ending. While his actions are deplorable and he must face the consequences, Shakespeare invites the audience to empathize with his downfall, recognizing the complexity and humanity that lies beneath his tragic choices.