Macbeth Tragic Hero Essay

Macbeth was considered a tragic hero because he fought honorably for Duncan to become king against the invading forces and his bravery on the battle which later become the Thane Cawdor, but one of his tragic flaws is that he lets his wife control his ambitious desires. As far as the play continued Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were good people with very poor judgment being described as “this dead butcher and his fiend like queen” there downfall was not caused due to evil but caused by their ambition against Macbeth, sparked by the witch’s prophecy. Macbeth was undeceiving whether or not to kill Duncan for him to become king, because of Macbeth’s wicked behavior it led him to become a murder.

In the beginning of the play Macbeth and Banquo are returning

Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!! All hail Macbeth that he shalt be king hereafter” (A1 S3 48) Macbeth sure enough became interested in what the witches had said but yet he sure quite didn’t really believe them. A few minutes or so pass by and Ross (Macbeth’s cousin) tells Macbeth that the thane of Cawdor is in line for death and that Duncan has named Macbeth to be the new thane of Cawdor. Macbeth becomes shocked that everything the witch’s prophecy has so far become true. Although the only way Macbeth can get rid of Duncan is by killing him. At this point Lady Macbeth knew well enough what the witches prophecies were she herself really wanted to become Queen of Scotland so she encourages Macbeth to do anything to get rid of Duncan. Lady Macbeth is putting enough pressure and influence on Macbeth to do it. Finally Macbeth gives in to Lady Macbeth and decides that he will kill Duncan while he is visiting. Macbeth’s castle that same night Macbeth showed bravery when he fought against the trader who betrayed the king. He fights with the Thane of Cawdor and he ends up winning

At first Macbeth says he will not fight but Macduff insist saying “then yield thee, coward…” (A5 S8 23) Macbeth responded “I will not yield...” (A5 S8 28) Macbeth finally realizes what he has caused and how every prophecy the witches have said and apparitions have all come true, but he will not give up as a coward. He will fight like a great warrior he once was to remain king and will fight to his death! Macbeth still at least believes he cannot be defeated by Macduff because of the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth cannot be killed by a man born of a woman. Even though Macbeth inside knows his rational side his situation is hopeless. He begins the fight with Macduff however still holing on to the fact he will not be defeated and taken away his position of being king. After listening non stop to Macbeth bragging of his charmed life Macduff informs Macbeth he was not born of woman that his mother died in childbirth before Macduff was born. Nevertheless, Macbeth faces Macduff and fights nobly, the fight moves offstage and the result is not know until few minutes later when Macduff enters the stage carrying Macbeths head “Macbeth is thus killed, and Scotland is cleansed from evil” and Malcom then became king of Scotland.

In conclusion, the prophecies given to him by the witches. Macbeth was a good character hero because of the honor and bravery and his intensified ambition all contributed greatly to his degeneration but one