Shakespeare's Macbeth-Tragic Hero

A Tragic Hero: Macbeth To some extent, each Shakespearean play involves tragedy. In Macbeth, the tragedy that exists is not one specific event but rather the actions performed by a person. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the play in essence revolves around Macbeth, and the tragic pit he digs himself in due to his gruesome actions throughout the play. Aristotle defines a tragedy as “a representation not of men, but of action and life and happiness and unhappiness” (G.E.R Lloyd). Aristotle is insistent that tragedy is not a representation of character, but rather action. Shakespeare incorporates three main elements of a tragedy in Macbeth; a hamartia, peripeteia, and anagnorisis. Aristotle states that a tragedy “maintains a unity of plot”(“Aristotle”,

It is where a reversal of fortune or circumstances occur, such that it is the exact opposite. According to Aristotle “the change of fortune for the hero should be an event that occurs contrary to the audiences expectations and that is therefore surprising but that nonetheless appears as a necessary outcome of the proceeding actions” (Aristotle, poetics). An example of this is Macbeth, who at the beginning of the play fears his thoughts of killing Duncan, where the “horrid image doth unfix [his] hair / And make [his] seated heart knock at [his] ribs” (1.3.137-140). It is evident Macbeth struggles and comes to terms with how he will acquire the throne. Macbeth does not want to harm anyone, but wants the throne enough to kill. Once Macbeth commits his first of many murders, his moral judgment fades away. He kills Banquo without a second thought and states “ that every minute of [Banquo’s] being thrusts / Against my near’st of life” (3.1.118-119). Macbeth orders the death of Banquo as his prophecy from the witches intimidates him. Macbeth fears that Banquo’s line of children will one day lay hold of the throne. Macbeth goes from questioning his conscience to not giving a second thought in ordering the death of his long term friend. Furthermore, the contrast between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth is an example of peripeteia. At the start of the play, Lady Macbeth takes on the dominant role and persuades a hesitant Macbeth to commit

Firstly In Macbeth, this comes when Macduff and Macbeth come face to face with one another, before they battle to the death. Macbeth learns that Macduff “was from his mother’s womb / Untimely ripped” (5.8.15-16) which means he is indeed able to slay Macbeth, something that Macbeth thought was not possible due to his excessive pride and over-confidence. This is the point where Macbeth understands his true fate and where his conscience finally catches up with him. Macbeth realizes that his death his near and his quest to secure position as king for the long-term will not