Shakespeares Macbeth as Tragic Hero Essay - 680 Words

Macbeth as Tragic Hero A tragic hero is usually a person of high esteem or social ranking cursed with a flaw or obsession that will eventually lead to their demise. Macbeth is a tragic hero. Examining the events that occur as Macbeth travels the typical path of a tragic hero easily supports this claim. Before Macbeth is even introduced to the audience, Duncan and Ross speak of his greatness. When it is discovered that the Thane of Cawdor has surrendered, Duncan decides to give Macbeth this title: What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won (1.2.70). This lets the audience see Macbeths rank, which starts him in the right direction for a tragic hero. As Macbeth starts to believe the prophecies of the witches†¦show more content†¦The bell invites me. / Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell/ That summons thee to heaven or to hell (2.1.63-65). Macbeth is to be coronated King, but as with other tragic characters, he seems to be isolated from the people who he began this journey with. When the audience hears his plans to kill Banquo, it is obvious that Macbeth has transformed into a completely evil character: It is concluded, Banquo, thy souls flight, / If it find heaven, must find it out tonight (3.1.143-144). Not even his wife is involved with all of his affairs anymore, and it seems as if his ambitions have become so compulsive that nothing will stop him. Macbeth is suffering from his isolation, and his symptoms of sleeplessness and hallucinations of Banquos ghost are proof of this,as Lady Macbeth gives this advice: You lack the season of all natures,sleep (3.4.142). In scene 6 of act 3, the audience learns of the army that is getting together against Macbeth lead by Malcolm. This is the opposition that is present in each tragedy used to bring it to a conclusion. Macbeth, however, is sure that he will reign victorious since the witches prophesized that Macbeth shall never vanquished be until/ Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill/ Shall come against him (4.1.92-94). He is sure that this is impossible, but when Malcolm orders each soldier to carryShow MoreRelatedEssay on Shakespeares Macbeth is a Tragic Hero956 Words   |  4 PagesMacbeth is a Tragic Hero  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeares tragic hero is a man of noble birth who falls from a position of honor and respect due to a flaw in his character. He freely chooses a course of action which ultimately causes him suffering and brings him to a fatal end.(Campbell 129) Macbeth is the epitome of a tragic hero who rises high then falls rock bottom to his death. 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