Question

Shakespeare's tragedies primarily focus on:

• A. External fate alone
• B. Supernatural elements only
• C. Inner conflict and moral dilemma
• D. Social realism

Hint:

Think of Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello. The heroes struggle inside their own minds and conscience.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the main concern of Shakespeare's tragedies, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello and King Lear. In a tragedy, a person of high standing falls because of a serious problem.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
In Shakespeare's plays the hero is brought down mainly by a flaw in his own mind and by hard moral choices. Outside forces only add pressure to this inner struggle.

Step 3: Check option (1), external fate alone.
Fate was central in Greek tragedy. In Shakespeare, the heroes make their own choices, so fate alone cannot be the main focus. So option (1) is wrong.

Step 4: Check option (2), supernatural elements only.
Ghosts and witches appear in Hamlet and Macbeth, but they only push the story forward. The real drama is in what Hamlet or Macbeth decides. The word only makes option (2) wrong.

Step 5: Check option (3), inner conflict and moral dilemma.
Hamlet cannot decide whether to avenge his father. Macbeth fights his own guilt and ambition. Othello is torn by jealousy. All of these are inner conflicts and moral dilemmas. So option (3) is right.

Step 6: Check option (4), social realism.
Social realism belongs to modern plays such as those of Ibsen. Shakespeare's tragedies are poetic and grand, not realistic studies of society. So option (4) is wrong.

Final Answer:
Shakespeare's tragedies centre on the hero's inner conflict and moral dilemma. This is option (3). \[ \boxed{\text{3}} \]