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. By playing the witches game, every action he picked revealed a key role in his downfall. However, Macbeth's ambition had not been strong enough to carry the motive to kill King Duncan. Macbeth eventually falls into his wife's influence which later causes tragedy in his life. 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). Macbeth is fearful of the fact that Banquo knows about his murdering Duncan. Lady Macbeth becomes a big part of Macbeth's tragic death. The witches and their prophecies are a major influence on his action. Macbeth states : " The castle of Macduff I will surprise; seize upon Fife; give to th' edge o' th' sword, his wife, his babies, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line" (357, 50-53). In conclusion, after he is named king, Macbeth's misery and eventual downfall is caused by his own insecurities and misguided determination to take control of his future. "For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered, Put rancours in the in vessel of my place only for them, mine eternal jewel given to the common enemy of man" (335, 66-68). 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. Macbeth is introduced into taking over the throne of his great friend Duncan. Macbeth's character at this point had changed so drastically that nothing was to get in his way to become the king of Scotland.
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