Macbeth
In the Shakespearean play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, the character Macbeth serves as the tragic hero. Macbeth fits the four characteristics' that are needed for one to be a tragic hero according to Aristotle. First, Macbeth is a main character in the play; secondly he was a person of importance, being one of kings most loyal soldiers. Thirdly he has tragic flaws that would lead to his downfall, which in this case will be death. His tragic flaws are paranoia and jealousy. These flaws in his character cause him to eventually deteriorate mentally and also bring about his death. When Macbeth first hears of the witches' prophecy, they tell him that he himself will be king, but that none of his descendants will take over the throne. However, they tell Banquo that a long line of kings shall follow him. Macbeth soon becomes enraged by the fact that Banquo's issues will become king after his tenure as king, and demises a plan to change the fate of the witches' prophecies. "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus- Our fears in Banquo stick deep" (Act III Scene I, Lines 48-49). Macbeth becomes so paranoid about Banquo heirs to the throne that he calls upon three murderers to kill Banquo along with his son, Fleance. He first gets them
to believe that the reason of their misfortune was because of Banquo. "Both of you know Banquo was your enemy" (Act III, Scene I, Line 116-117). He later carries out of giving the order to the murderers and tell them about also killing Fleance. "To leave no rubs nor botches in the work- Fleance his son, that keeps him company, Whose absence is no less material to me than in his father's, embrace the fate (Act III Scene I Lines 135-137). After the murder, Lennox and Malcolm begin to think that it was Macbeth that was responsible and state motives that would make him do this. This shows the first sign of a person or persons beginning to rise up against Macbeth. Another event in the play that shows Macbeth's paranoia was when he visits the witches again and they tell him "...Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife" (Act IV, Scene I, Lines 71-72). In an attempt to deter Macduff from ever doing anything against him, Macbeth decides to kill Macduff's entire family, even though Macduff is not going to be included in this massacre. "The castle of Macduff I will surprise; Seize upon Fife; give to th' edge o' th' sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls" (Act IV, Scene ii, Lines 150-152). T
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 822
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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