English Essay: Macbeth
Macbeth is a tragic hero because he has immense potential for good, yet is turned evil due to the inspiration of the witches and the encouragement of his wife.
The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespeareantragic hero. A tragic hero is a character who passes from happiness to misfortune as a result of a tragic flaw in themselves, this shows that Macbeth is a tragic hero.
Macbeth is clearly a hero in Act I, we hear from other characters how heroically Macbeth performed in battle (For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name- disdaining Fortune, with his brandishing steel.). Against all odds, Macbeth fights valiantly and kills MacDonwald. We hear again in Act I from the king how much he appreciates Macbeth (O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!).From this we already assume that Macbeth is a hero and a noble man long before we meet him, however, by linking Macbeth with the witches it shows us that he has the potential to be evil.
The prophecies told by the witches awaken the seeds of evil within Macbeth. We first realise the strength of his ambition when Malcolm is named heir to the throne, and Macbeth confesses to his dark desires for the crown (Let not light see my black and deep desires.). This is followed by a struggle within the mind and soul of Macbeth. His intelligence and conscience wrestle with his ambition. Macbeth knows the seriousness of the act, he acknowledges he has no motives for murder and understands he will damn himself (Strong both against the deed, The deep damnation of his taking off.).
Macbeth gets influenced by the witches, as the play progresses, Macbeth slowly relies on the witchs prophecies. Shakespeare uses the witches as a cure for Macbeths curiosity which harms his character. Lady Macbeth also corrupts him as she pushes him to murder the King, after the murder Macbeth loses his nobility and becomes a violent person. His violent nature can be blamed on Lady Macbeth as she encouraged him. Without the influence of these two characters Macbeth would have remained noble.
In conclusion we see that Macbeth was influenced greatly by the witches and his wife, however they did not inspire him to be evil but rather swayed him to do wrong. So yes I agree with the statement that Macbeth is a tragic hero, however it is his ambition that is his greatest downfall.
Word Count: 347
Bibliography
www.enotes.com ... Macbeth Study GuideMacbeth Questions
www.field-of-themes.com/shakespeare/essays/Emacbeth3.htm
www.essays.cc/free_essays/f5/fwb242.shtm
www.ask.com/questions-about/Macbeth-a-Tragic-Hero
www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=1724
www.docstoc.com Art & LiteratureOther
Macbeth Study Guide X-Kit
www.bookrags.com/essay-2005/2/27/21282/219
answers.yahoo.com ... Homework Help
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