[Ribner maintains that Macbeth symbolizes Shakespeare's larger view if evils operation in the world. Therefore, the tragedy is not resolved through the fallen hero's redemption, but through good correcting the evil that Macbeth has unleashed. The critic further contends that the play provides comparisons between Macbeth and Satan: both are always conscious if the evil they embrace; both have excessive ambition and pride; and both openly defy the natural law if God, the devil by rebelling against his maker and Macbeth by calling on satanic forces in order to gain the kingship. This "voluntary choice of evil," Ribner notes, "closes the way if redemption to [Macbeth], for in denying nature he cuts off his source of redemption, and he must end in total destruction and despair. "According to the critic, the other major characters serve similar symbolic functions in Macbeth: the witches represent evil, tempting man's sinful...