Macbeth: A Tragic Hero In Shakespeare's Macbeth

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MacBeth, the greedy, killing thane of Glamis, is a tragic hero throughout the play. MacBeth is soon realized to be an important person once Macdonwald is dead. The witches state, “All hail, MacBeth!...thane of Glamis...Cawdor...that shalt be king hereafter!”(48-50). Later, Duncan states, “... with his former title greet MacBeth”(66). The witches and the king of scotland all recognize MacBeth as an important person because Duncan believes that he has killed MacDonwald. The witches then fill his head with prophecies of who he will be in the near future. Secondly, a tragic hero has a death defying flaw buried within him. MacBeths flaws include greed and ambition. MacBeth states, “and it is done...bell invites me...Duncan... it is a knell...summons thee to heaven and hell”(19-22). Later on, while talking to his murders he says, “It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, if it find heaven...tonight”(141-142). Furthermore, MacBeth decides to kill again, “...MacDuff I will surprise, seize upon fife...his wife, his babies…”(149-153). Throughout the first three acts, MacBeth is determined to keep the throne so, he kills whomever is needed, even if they are only suspected to be a threat. This flaw brings his life to end once everyone discovers who he really was. In scene five, MacDuff says, “Hail, King!...The usurper’s cursed head. The time is free…”(53-55). This indicates that he has beheaded MacBeth and his ruling has come to an end.

Question 2:
MacBeth, the

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