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The Macbeth-Tragic Hero Macbeth-Tragic Hero The main character, Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero. At the beginning of the play, Shakespeare defines Macbeth as a hero very clearly to the reader. However, as the play progresses, Shakespeare gradually indicates that Macbeth is a tragic hero. There are many factors that contribute to Macbeth s degeneration. First, Macbeth is shown to be a man of exceptional nature as well as high position.
However, he errs in listening and trusting too much in others. This error brings ruin to him. Finally, Macbeth possesses a tragic flaw in his personality, which leads to his acting in a certain manner. Macbeth is ambitious, and it is this ambition which eventually dooms him. Macbeth s character gradually degenerates from that of a noble man to that of a violent individual.
At first, Shakespeare shows Macbeth s exceptional nature as well as his high position. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as a brave, selfless warrior competent and loyal to his lord Duncan. He defends Duncan by killing Macdonald and the forces of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. He performs these acts not because he enjoys slaughtering people, but because he is addicted to the fame, royal favor, and titles such as valor s minion (Shakespeare, 13) and Bellona s bridegroom (Shakespeare, 15). No doubt he also rejoices in the success that crowns his efforts in battle. Macbeth remains an honorable gentleman until he begins to covet the kingship.
He is not a criminal and has no criminal tendencies. Gradually, Macbeth s error in being guided too much by outside forces brings ruin to him. Macbeth s strong belief in the prophecies is part of this error. If it had not been for the witches telling him that he would be Thane of Games, Thane of Cawdor, and King of Scotland, he would still be as he was in the beginning of the play. He believes too much in the supernatural, and therefore slowly relies on the witches prophecies.
In addition, the influence of Lady Macbeth also brings ruin to him. Lady Macbeth plays an important role in this play, because she provides a scheme whereby Macbeth can assassinate Duncan. She convinces Macbeth by questioning his courage and challenges him to kill Duncan. She says, screw your courage to the sticking place, And we will not fail K (Shakespeare, 61). After the first murder, killing seems to be the only way for Macbeth to maintain his reign over the people of Scotland.
Ambition is a tragic flaw in Macbeth s personality, which leads to his acting in a certain manner. Ultimately, it leads to his destruction. When Duncan names Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland, Macbeth decides to murder Duncan. He says, On which I must fall down or else o elea, For in my way it lies K (Shakespeare, 35). When Duncan arrives at Inverness, Macbeth controls his ambition for the time being and does not kill Duncan. However, his decision is soon reflected by Lady Macbeth who calls him a coward.
From then on, after the murder of Duncan, he enters into a life of evil. Moreover, he also wants to kill Banquo because of the witches prediction that Banquo s son will become the king. He wants to ensure that he can reach his ambition without any problems. Because of his ambition and his strong belief in the witches, when he finds out that Macduff was not born of woman and also finds out that Birnam Wood is moving, he realizes that the third apparition has deceived him. He understands that he will no longer be safe.
In conclusion, Shakespeare has proved that Macbeth is a tragic hero through his degeneration in the play. He first demonstrates Macbeth s good character and shows his high position and so shows the height from which he will fall. Macbeth s errors and other causes bring ruin to him. Too much ambition is his tragic flaw and leads to his acting in a certain manner.
Through the development of this tragedy, Macbeth turns from a fine-natured person to an evil person. His ambition and strong belief in the witches bring his life to a tragic end and also causes many other people to lose their lives.
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