Macbeth Tragic Hero Flaws

Tragic heroes are a concept used for centuries in literature. According to Aristotle's definition, “tragic heroes are literary characters who make an error in judgement that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction.” CITE HERE Aristotle stated that “a tragic hero must be virtuous, be flawed, and suffer a reversal of fortune” CITE HERE. Shakespeare often uses the concept of tragic heroes in his plays, and in Macbeth, the character fits the definition. Macbeth, a noble man, had error in his judgement which led to his own destruction.

During the opening of the play, Macbeth’s character is illustrated and described as a noble man. In Act I Scene II, the exposition is constructed with the background of the adversaries and the background of who

Hubris, a Greek word, is translated to “excessive pride or self-confidence”. CITE HERE. In Act I Scene III, Macbeth’s ambition to become king began after the witches’ prophesied that he will be king by worshipping his future title: “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King/hereafter!.” (1.3.49-50). Macbeth’s ambition is stimulated when King Duncan decides to promote his son, Malcolm, to be the future King of Scotland, rather than Macbeth. This is displayed in Act I Scene IV: “Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter/The Prince of Cumberland.” (1.4.38-39). Macbeth’s ambition to become king results in the murders of multiple characters. It is revealed in Act II Scene I that Macbeth murders King Duncan: “I go, and it is done: the bell invites me.” (2.1.62). Due to this execution, both descendants of King Duncan, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee to England and Ireland, to evade the murderer. Since there is no heir to the throne, Macbeth takes the role of king. Although Macbeth’s ambition to become king has been fulfilled, he now has the ambition for his future children to become royal heirs. As claimed by the witches, Banquo’s future children will be heirs to the throne: “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be/none.” (1.3.67-68). Macbeth requests murderers to eliminate Banquo and his son, Fleance. In Act III Scene III, they are successful in killing Banquo, but Fleance escapes. In Act III Scene IV, Macbeth is not

The temptation of the witches’ apparition claiming that he will be king never involved murdering King Duncan. Macbeth had the choice to commence or refrain from attempting to change his destiny: “The Prince of Cumberland! That/is a step/On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap,/For in my way it lies.” 1.5.47-50). The witches do nothing but only inform Macbeth that he will be king; the temptation was what fueled his ambition. Murdering King Duncan was all part of Macbeth’s ambition, complying with Lady Macbeth’s plan. Regret is filled within Macbeth as he appears traumatized after his actions. Macbeth employs murderers to kill Banquo and his child, Fleance. The murderers successfully kill Banquo, although Fleance escapes. During the banquet in Act III Scene IV, the scene illustrates Macbeth’s wellbeing deteriorating with hallucinations of Banquo. Macbeth eventually gets overwhelmed with the guilt of his murders and the paranoia. Not only does Macbeth’s construct his downfall, but so does his arrogance. In Act IV Scene I, the witches provide Macbeth with three new apparitions: “Macbeth! Macbeth Macbeth. Beware/Macduff!” (4.1.71-72), “none of the women born/Shall harm Macbeth”. 4.18-8.81. and “Macbeth shall never be vanquished until/Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill/Shall come against him”. 4.1.292-94 -. Macbeth views the second and third apparitions as impossible to come true, as he responds with “What do I need fear