In the seventeenth century Shakespearian production of Macbeth, William Shakespeare portrays the character of Macbeth as a tragic hero. The character of Macbeth goes through many different changes throughout the coarse of the play. In the opening acts, Macbeth is seen as a brave, noble, and loyal man. He is very highly respected by many, and holds a very high social stature. As the play continues and changes, so does the character of Macbeth. He begins to be too ambitious, which will later prove to be the cause of his downfall.
             Macbeth's social stature is an example of why he is viewed as a tragic hero. He battles bravely against the Norwegians, and receives a great amount of gratitude from Duncan when word of his courageousness reaches him. "No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go pronounce his present death, and with his former title greet Macbeth" (I, 2, 65-68). In saying this Duncan rewards Macbeth by bestowing the title of Thane of Cawdor upon him. This is an indication of the nature of respect that the people have for Macbeth..."and everyone did bear thy praises in his kingdom's great defense, and pour'd them down before him" (I, 3, 98-100). This statement further shows the amount of respect that people have for him, thus making his downfall much more consequential.
             As Macbeth slowly causes his own downfall, it is clearly evident that this is a great tragedy. After the murder of Duncan, Macbeth allows his ambition to become him. As we witness the evil enter Macbeths' life, we soon begin to notice that he has lost the sense to differentiate between what is wrong and right. "Away and mock the fairest show: False face must hide what the false face doth know." (I, 7, 81-82). In this statement, Macbeth and his wife are attempting to conceal their false hearts behind their false faces to hide their true intentions. They are tryi
             ...