Macbeth as a Tragic Hero

by mikespizike (student)

AS and A Level English

Hui

Michael Hui

Ms. Pitaro

ENG3U1e

November 30, 2012

Macbeth the Tragic Hero

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth assumes the role of the tragic hero. Shakespeare successfully instills a sense of sympathy in the audience, but gradually destroys this empathy as the play advances. He evokes the overwhelming nature of ambition and its ability to destroy the human heart if it is not checked by reason and restraint. Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a man of greatness and loyalty who is influenced greatly by his deep desires. He is thrust into evil and malice as he assumes the role of the tyrannical ruler of Scotland. Shakespeare establishes sympathy for Macbeth throughout the play, specifically during the most pitiful moment that leads to his death. Ultimately, Macbeth is the victim of his fatal flaw of ambition, Lady Macbeth’s influence, and the witches’ deception, which lead to his unequivocal downfall.

The untainted Macbeth possesses a true and loyal nature, which is exemplified through his noble thoughts and actions. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is fighting on the battlefield for the honour of his king. Although it is not his personal battle, Macbeth wills to fight against Duncan’s enemies and traitors. Other characters in the play, such as Duncan and a fellow soldier, testify to Macbeth’s honour and bravery. Also, even after hearing the witches’ prophecies, his thoughts remain loyal to the king. The very thought of betraying the king “make[s] [his] seated heart knock at [his] ribs…/ [his] present fears are less than horrible imaginings” (1.3.146-148). The concept of murder goes against Macbeth’s underlying nature which has been imprinted in his mind and he is terrified that he is capable of such malicious thoughts. Although his ambition causes him to temporarily lose sight of reason, he truly does not want to commit treason against Duncan. Macbeth’s loyal nature is at a constant struggle with his ambition. While he is preparing to murder Duncan, he states that “as his host, / [he] should against [Duncan’s] murderer shut the door, / not bear the knife [him]self” (1.7.14-16). Macbeth still clings to his innocence and he truly contemplates going through with the murder. He is unable to bring himself to betray his fellow Duncan. Ultimately, Macbeth is a noble man who possesses underlying loyalty, which is revealed in his thoughts and actions.

This is a preview of the whole essay

As the play progresses, ambition becomes the omnipresent force that causes Macbeth to set aside his loyalty and to embrace evil. His fatal flaw of ambition is manifested by the witches’ prophecies and Lady Macbeth’s mocking. His ambition is at a constant battle with his good nature. While he is originally able to subdue his ambitious lust for the throne, these influences allow ambition to conquer his loyalty. After hearing that he has received the title of Thane of Cawdor, he notices that “Two truths are told, / As happy prologues to the swelling act / Of the imperial theme” (1.3.137-139). Macbeth sees the apparent accuracy in the witches’ first two predictions, which causes him to contemplate the accuracy of the last prophecy. He is first introduced to the idea of ultimate power, which allows his mind to wander through the terrible possibilities. Lady Macbeth is the greatest influence on Macbeth that causes him to embrace his lust for power. She convinces Macbeth to go through with the murder as he contemplates it, stating that he “live[s] like a coward in [his] own esteem /… like the poor cat i’ the adage” (1.7.46-48). Lady Macbeth successfully mocks Macbeth’s courage and manhood through her emasculating comments. She compares Macbeth to a poor cat to provoke him, causing him to let go of his inner inhibitions and to go through with the murder. Again, Macbeth’s ambition is being pushed forward by the witches’ prophecies and Lady Macbeth’s mockery. It allows for his deep lust for power to defeat his underlying loyalty in his critical mental battle. These dark influences cause Macbeth to embrace malice and to become the very manifestation of evil.

Shakespeare establishes a sense of sympathy for Macbeth during the beginning of the play, but ultimately destroys it as Macbeth becomes more tyrannical and pernicious. At first, Macbeth is victim to the evil influences present within the play, such as the witches and Lady Macbeth. However, after he takes his first step towards malice, he is unable to stop the exponential growth of his evil. After murdering Duncan, he is able to make evil decisions much more easily. He concludes Banquo’s fate, affirming that “[his] soul’s flight, / If it find heaven, must find it out to-night” (3.1.157-158). Although Banquo is Macbeth’s greatest friend, Macbeth shows little hesitation in orchestrating his death. This is contrary to the decision to murder Duncan because Macbeth decides almost instantaneously. The first murder effectively causes him to lose sight of reason and restraint as his mind obsessively focuses on gaining power. As Macbeth becomes increasingly evil, the sense of sympathy for him starts to dissipate. Macbeth becomes so obsessed with his power that he completely severs his connection to humanity. The desire to kill is overwhelming as his obsession with power perpetuates his fury. As soon as he hears the news that Macduff is plotting to overthrow his castle with Malcolm, he states that he will “give edge o’ the sword / [Macduff’s] wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls / That trace him in his line” (4.1.165-167). Macbeth decides he will invade Macduff’s castle to murder all of his family although they do not pose any threat to his throne. The heartless massacre does not benefit Macbeth at all. He is no longer focusing solely on power, but he is committing evil as he pleases. In murdering the innocent wife and children out of pure fury, Macbeth becomes the epitome of evil. He reveals the tyranny that has manifested in his soul. Shakespeare completely eliminates the fleeting sense of sympathy for the seemingly monstrous Macbeth. Macbeth’s deviation from goodness fully destroys his character and eliminates his previous image. The audience does not sympathize with Macbeth, but experiences a sense of relief with the coming of his death.

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth is truly considered a tragic hero. He is originally a good-natured and loyal soldier that is willing to give up his life to protect his king. However, a multitude of factors, such as the witches’ prophecies and his wife’s mocking, lead to his soul’s degeneration. These influences spark the manifestation of ambition and allow evil to permeate in Macbeth’s soul. Through Macbeth’s actions, he is plunged into corruption and inhumanity. Consequently, he is unable to return to innocence. Ultimately, Macbeth is the tragic hero who is victim to his growing ambition, which destroys his humanity and any sympathy Shakespeare initially establishes.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Canada, 1988. Print.