Macbeth Tragic Hero Research Paper

700 Words3 Pages

Ricky Martin, a famous Puerto Rican singer, exclaimed, “Heroes represent the best of ourselves, respecting that we are human beings. A hero can be anyone from Gandhi to your classroom teacher, anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem” (www.brainyquote.com). Everyone has their own conception of heroism as it exists in reality and fiction. In literature, authors often incorporate their ideas of heroism. Shakespeare’s books repeatedly feature a different kind of hero referred to as the tragic hero. Shakespeare has several complex ideas regarding a tragedy. His books demonstrate his ideas concerning the structure, purpose, and intended effect of a tragedy. Shakespeare is well known for his enthralling tales of tragic heroes. The titular …show more content…

Ultimately, Macbeth’s ambition is responsible for his downfall. When a prophecy reveals that Macbeth will become king, he decides to find his own way to the throne. He kills king Duncan. Macbeth says, “I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?” (2.2.14). The temptation of ambition robs Macbeth of the essence of his existence as a human being and leaves behind nothing but discontent. The conceptual idea of hamartia leading to a tragic hero’s downfall is significant because it abolishes the hero’s glorified persona.The titular character of The Tragedy of Macbeth is a Shakespearean tragic hero because his tragic flaw causes him to make horrendous …show more content…

After Macbeth is killed by Macduff, Malcolm takes his rightful position as king. Macduff declares, “Hail, king! for so thou art. Behold where stands Th’usurper’s cursed head: the time is free: I see thee compassed with thy kingdom’s pearl” (5.7.83-85). The natural order of the world was damaged when Macbeth, a thane, killed his king. Malcolm becoming king restored the world’s natural order and relieved the audience of their emotional tensions. The tragic fall that causes a catharsis within the audience is an intentional learning point from Shakespeare that works because the audience identifies and empathizes with Macbeth’s struggles because struggle is universal. Poetry is an outlet for emotions and therefore purgation of feelings is crucial. Macbeth matches with Shakespeare’s concepts concerning a tragic hero because his tragic fall causes the audience to go through a