Discuss the idea that Macbeth is a typical Tragic Hero.

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Discuss the idea that Macbeth is a typical Tragic Hero.

A tragedy is a story, which involves a main character of high status. The plot leads up to and includes the death of this character that is commonly known as the tragic hero. Throughout the story we hear of many traumatic events which cause suffering to all those involved. The suffering is extreme and always affects the tragic hero and those that surround him. The calamity that befalls the character contrasts to previous happiness and glory.

Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ is a famous tragedy concerning the fate of the character Macbeth. He appears initially as a great soldier who is admired by his king and his countrymen and feared by his enemies. Duncan calls him, ‘valiant cousin’ and ‘worthy gentleman’ and we hear how he defeated the Norwegians despite their having a greater army. His noble position is clear and we are left to question what makes such a man commit such evil and disloyal acts.

‘Macbeth’ traces the downfall of the character from great warrior to ‘dead butcher’. In the opening scenes we meet the three witches and immediately the audience believe that the devil is at work in Scotland.  They are planning to meet with Macbeth and chant that, ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’. The audience immediately associate Macbeth with witchcraft and the devil. The audience in Shakespeare’s day were particularly superstitious and believed that anything that could not be explained logically was influenced by supernatural powers. The belief in witches was widespread and it was considered unnatural and against the divine order of God. By including them in the play, Shakespeare was ensuring that he would entertain his audience.

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When Macbeth appears, he echoes the words of the witches, ‘So foul and fair a day I have not seen’. He unknowingly associates with their language and sets a theme for the whole play. Often what we see is not as it seems. Later we meet Lady Macbeth and King Duncan calls her his ‘honoured hostess’. Little does he know that she is plotting his murder and ironically gives her a diamond that in those days was meant to ward off witchcraft and evil spirits.

When the witches inform Macbeth that he will be Thane of Cawdor and ...

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