Macbeth As a Tragic Hero
William Shakespeare is a very well known author of many plays, ranging from comedies, to histories, to tragedies. Perhaps one of his most famous play's in the tragedy genre, is Macbeth. Macbeth conforms to the image of the tragic hero by portraying a flaw and dying because of it. His flaw of being led too easily is evident through the actions of characters who influence him. The tragic plot of once worthy and loyal to the King who encounters a supernatural evil which slowly leads to his death. During the play Macbeth gradually becomes over ambitious which causes immense tragedy throughout the play. In this play Shakespeare illustrates that evil will never prevail, it can only create destruction. Macbeth does not accept this as true and sells his soul, thinking he will live a prosperous life as the King of Scotland. The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a tragic hero for many reasons. There are several points which contribute greatly to Macbeth's downfall; the prophecy which was told by the three witches, lady Macbeth's influence which manipulated his judgment, and finally Macbeth's long time ambition which drove his desire to become king into destruction which took the lives of many as well as his. Macbeth's prospering,
Macbeth's ambition influenced his declining character. However, Macbeth's ambition had not been strong enough to carry the motive to kill King Duncan. Lady Macbeth's influence comes into play because if not for Lady Macbeth his ambition would not have been strong enough to drive him to obtain his title of King of Scotland, even if it meant murdering. Lady Macbeth becomes a big part of Macbeth's tragic death. Macbeth's flaw is that he is influenced by lady Macbeth's manipulating orders. "O, never shall sun that marrow see" (314, 59). The supernatural will aid her in the hardening of her heart and make it possible to carry out her plan. "When Duncan is asleep whereto the rather shall his day's and journey, Soundly invite him-his two chamberlains, Will I with wine and wassail convince" (317,61-63). Macbeth, although wanting the prophecy to come true, and become king, lacks the interest as his wife does to commit the murder. Macbeth says : "We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honored me of late, and I have brought golden opinions from all sorts of people" (316, 31-32). Lady Macbeth attacks his ego by telling him that the murder will make him a better man, "When you durst do it, then you were a man; and to be more that what you were, you would be so much more than a man" (317, 50-53). Macbeth eventually falls into his wife's influence which later causes tragedy in his life. By playing the witches game, every action he picked revealed a key role in his downfall. The witches and their prophecies are a major influence on his action. The witches tell Macbeth "Thane of glamis...Thane of Cowdor....that shalt be king hereafter" (307, 46-49). He is lured in the fact that he will be king. As a result of the prophecies this aroused Macbeth's curiosity of how he could be king of Scotland. "By sinel's death I know I'm thane of glamis, but how of cowdor"(307, 71-72)? As the play progres
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Approximate Word count = 1283
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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