Macbeth; A Tragic Hero

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Key Question #25

Ruthless Ambition

A Tragic Hero

        There are many heroes in this world, whether it’s a fireman or a mother. A hero is chosen from their courage, nobility and strength. However, to contrast the idea of a hero, there are tragic heroes. Macbeth is the perfect example of a tragic hero. Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero is one that is of greatness and nobility but makes an error that leads to his downfall, someone who despite their greatness, is flawed, someone who is punished more than deserved and someone who can relate to an audience. There are three parts to the downfall of Macbeth; the prophecy told by the witches, Lady Macbeth’s influence upon Macbeth and Macbeth’s burning desire to be King.

        At the beginning of the story, Macbeth is returning from Scotland after winning the war for Duncan. This shows that he is a noble person; one of the requirements of tradgedy. The prophecy told by the witches to Macbeth was the very beginning of Macbeth’s downfall. They told him that he would be Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis and eventually King of Scotland. “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Glamis!  All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!  All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 48). This immediately sparked the corruption in Macbeth due to his curiousity and faith in what the witches said. If Macbeth had never met the three witches, he would’ve remained himself. After meeting with the witches, the thought of being King of Scotland was burned into Macbeth’s mind and he could not stop thinking about it. This is one of the characteristics defined by Aristotle as a tragic hero. Macbeth is a higher position in society but he is flawed like a mortal, he is not perfect.

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        Lady Macbeth is presented in the play as a peaceful, typical wife. She soon is discovered to be a big influence upon Macbeth’s judgements and descisions. Throughout Act 1, Scene 7, she convinces Macbeth to murder. “We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we’ll not fail” (Act 1, Scene 7, Line 60). Although she may seem like a cold person, when it comes time to kill King Duncan herself, she can not do it because he reminded her of her father. This shows the audience that below the toughness lays a softer part to Lady Macbeth ...

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