Fatal flaws, everyone has one. But it can be difficult to differentiate between a genuinely good trait and a hamartia. Such a positive personality trait is pride. Pride is the worst tragic flaw, appearing in Greek myths, the Bible, and stories. Lucifer, who believed himself to be greater than God; was cast down from Heaven to reign in Hell. In a famous Greek myth, Odysseus’ immense pride induced misfortune upon the ten year journey home. Ambition is equally capable of growing into a hamartia. Adam and Eve breaking the rules of god, so that they may become equal to God. Ambition led to the downfall of Adam and Eve, as documented in the Holy Bible. The difference between the first humans, and modern day people is simple. One's positive personality …show more content…
When one thinks of ambition, the general theory is that it can create opportunities, and make people happy. “ ‘Ambition is the root of all achievement,’ declares James Champy...Champy says everyone’s got ‘it’-ambition that is” (Cummings). This general theory can be negated in one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, Macbeth. Macbeth’s tragic flaw was his immense ambition. This thirst for power led Macbeth to kill the king, as Macbeth states “I go, and it is done. The bell invites me./Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell/That summons thee to heaven or to hell” (Macbeth.2.1.75-77). Macbeth eventually gains all that he lusted for; at a heavy price. Macbeth eventually realizes that his choices were for naught, as he communicated his comprehension, crying …show more content…
It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.” (Macbeth.5.5.26-31)
Due to Macbeth’s insatiable desire for power, not only did physical harm come to Macbeth and his family, but he fell into a depression. Lady Macbeth’s life became an allegory for a candle, while bright and warm; is snuffed out by Macbeth’s corrupt ambition.
Fatal flaws are created from positive personality traits that are demonstrated in situations that endangers one’s happiness. Pride is capable of spawning people who “persist in the face of contrary evidence and [when they] succeed we think of them as heros overcoming impossible obstacles” (Brim 1). Pride can too become a hamartia, as shown in Much Ado About Nothing, another one of Shakespeare’s plays. Beatrice is one of Much Ado About Nothing’s most iconic character, as she defies societal norms in a comedic manner. When described by her close friends and confidants, they claim that:
“Nature never framed a woman’s heart
Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice.
Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes,
Misprizing what they look on, and her wit
Values itself so highly that to