Harold Bloom argues that Shakespeare deviates from the traditional Aristotle's formula for tragedy in Macbeth, as the play inundates the audience with fear and pity without achieving the catharsis or purging emotions that Aristotle believed were the defining features of a tragedy. According to Bloom, Shakespeare has created a form of tragedy that functions purposelessly, thereby making the interpretation of this play challenging for any reader.
This interpretation is supported by evidence from Acts I and II of Macbeth. For example, in Act I, we see Macbeth and Banquo receiving prophesies from the witches that lead to fear and confusion, leaving the audience apprehensive about the events to come. Similarly, in Act II, Macbeth's hallucinations and Lady Macbeth's guilt-ridden speech after the murder of King Duncan elicit feelings of pity for the characters and horror at their actions.
Overall, Bloom's argument represents an intellectual challenge to the Aristotelian model of tragedy and raises intriguing ideas about Shakespeare's intentions in creating a play that encourages a significant emotional response in the audience without providing catharsis or resolution.