Macbeth as a tragic hero
The play Macbeth, written by Shakespeare is a tragedy. Tragedy is the most moving genre in plays. In a tragedy there is a big difference between good and evil, and there is an occurrence of pleasure and suffering. In this play the evils are portrayed by Macbeth and his followers and the good by Malcom, Macduff, Ross and Siward. All tragedies contain a tragic hero. A tragic hero is someone with a potential for greatness, posses a fatal flaw which leads to his downfall and suffering. In the play Macbeth, Macbeth is a tragic hero because he fulfils the criteria for being one. Macbeth has a high status in Scotland. He is the thane of Glamis and cousin to the King, Duncan. Macbeth fights bravely for King and country. His Captain also commends on Macbeth's fighting, when he says, "Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion. If I say sooth, I must report they were as cannons overcharged with double cracks" (I, II). Macbeth is likened here to an eagle, a lion and an overcharged cannon, as this shows his power and how great he is on the battle field. Macbeth defeats Macdonwald in war and then deals with a second assault successfully. Macbeth fights well and fiercely. Ross confirms this when he makes this
At the end of the play his love for his wife is shown again, when she is sick. The evidence of the admiration which Duncan has for Macbeth, is when he gives him his new title, thane of Cawdor. He suffers internally, because of the task which lies ahead of him. This shows goodness, as ambition should be used positively and not negatively. His wife is sick, the doctor confirms this when he says, "Not so sick, my lord, as she is troubled with thick-coming fancies that keep her from the rest (VI, III). Macbeth's suffering is palpable even before the murder. Because of his deed he has killed his ability to sleep. His followers desert him and the opposing forces grow. Macbeth does not use his potential to be a great person well. He has the wrong ambition that in fact leads to his downfall. Macbeth's goodness is also clear when Lady Macbeth says that his nature is "too full o'th' milk of human kindness" (I, V). This means that his ambition is taking over his mind. Guilt has over won Macbeth when he states, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" (II, II). This means he has nothing more to live for. He murdered Duncan in order to become King and also plans on keeping kingship in his family.
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