The term tragic hero is a character of noble birth who can emphasize with the audience by qualities. A tragic hero must create a situation that he or she can not change. According to Aristotle there are also certain characteristics in which a tragic hero must convey through their actions. In Shakespeare 's Macbeth some may see Macbeth as an antagonist, but Macbeth is a tragic hero because he holds high positions and works his way to more, recognizes his flaw, and shows responsibility for his doom.
Macbeth follows these characteristics as for he is Thane of Glamis and Cawdor. Macbeth knows that what the witches portrayed did come to life and now knows he must do what needs done to hold even higher position. Macbeth says, “The prince of Cumberland!
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Now that the tragic hero has risen and fell, he will not give up even if it leads to doom. Macduff and Macbeth battle and Macduff returns to stage with Macbeth’s head in his hand. Now that Macbeth is dead Malcolm will be king.
Macbeth is a tragic hero but others may see him as an antagonist. The reason some readers may give him that name is for all the killing Macbeth does in order to become king. The audience believes that Macbeth was under realization of what he was doing for his own good. They also consider him an antagonist because Macbeth told Lady Macbeth “To know my deed ‘twere best not know myself” (2.2.71). There the audience knows that Macbeth understands what he did but he is trying to forget. But many see him still as a tragic hero because his flaw is what allowed him to proceed with the killing.
In conclusion, although some believe that Macbeth is aware of what he is doing for himself Macbeth is a tragic hero. In Shakespeare 's Macbeth he holds high praise of being Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, knows of his flaw and after putting himself in a situation he fought to the end of his own death. By Aristotle 's characteristics guide of a tragic hero and how Macbeth responses to his flaw is what makes Macbeth a tragic hero instead of an