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Macbeth Tragic Hero Essay

767 Words4 Pages

Adin J. Schlosberg
Mr. Tierney
English 10-1
7 June 2023
Macbeth The Perfect Tragic Hero Macbeth written by Shakesphere is a tragedy that is shown by the many deaths and loss through the play. However according to Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero there is only one character in the entire play and it is Macbeth himself. The reason why Macbeth Is the tragic hero is because he fits all six characteristics of Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero which will be explained through this research paper.

One of the first characteristics of a tragic hero is his or her hamartia. A hamartia is the critical flaw or weakness in the tragic hero's character. (“Definition of HAMARTIA '') Macbeth hamartia is his unchecked ambition and thirst for power. …show more content…

He was ¨a heroic warrior of an era of brutal, hand-to-hand combat.¨ (Clothier) which not only made him a powerful and respected figure by Duncan and his peers but also very popular in all of scotland. He was also a nobleman and a very loyal subject to King Duncan protecting him at all costs. However going back to his Hamartia Macbeth had unchecked ambition and thirst for power therefore because of his previous power and loyalty it was very easy for him to kill Duncan because he had more knowledge on Duncan that he used against him to kill him. This soon led to more violence and brutality which also ultimately led to Macbeth's …show more content…

His subjects become less loyal and trustworthy as they witness his past actions, causing a loss of faith and distrust in his leadership. Scotland suffers under the rule of a corrupt king who prioritizes his own power over the welfare of the country, greeting the hardships faced by the Scottish people.

¨Aristotle's use of the word catharsis is not a technical reference to purgation or purification but a beautiful metaphor for the peculiar tragic pleasure, the feeling of being washed or cleansed.¨ (Sachs) Macbeth's tragic downfall causes feelings of fear in the audience as they witness the consequences of his destructive actions and the huge tragic waste of his potential. The audience experiences a sudden release of emotions through witnessing Macbeth's tragedy, as they are able to connect with the character's suffering and reflect on the dangers of unchecked ambition and corruption.

The last tragic characteristic is his reversal. Macbeth's reversal refers to his dramatic change from a respected warrior and soldier to a power-hungry murderer. Influenced by the three witches' prophecies, his ambition drives him to commit deadly acts, leading to guilt, madness, and his tragic

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