The Tragic Hero Of Macbeth

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Macbeth Essay In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth was presented as a dynamic tragic hero through several different ways. The methods Shakespeare used to portray Macbeth in this manner was through Macbeths history; including his social stature derived from battle, the representation of greed and power he sought out, and by his mental deterioration over time. Macbeth’s own demise was cultivated by the power he wished to obtain, and that ultimately brought him down.

In many literary works there is a tragic hero, presented with a few basic characteristics. Often times the tragic hero, in this case Macbeth has a certain social status that propels him/her to an even higher power. …show more content…

Instead of allowing fate to take its natural course Macbeth followed the witches prophecies that he would be king and took things into his own hands. Macbeth was determined to become king meaning anyone in his way would to be killed. Macbeth was portrayed as a decent person, brought down by his own greed and ill intent. Macbeth even killed his good friend Banquo who he nobly fought in battle with. He also attempted to kill Macduff based on suspicions that he knew the truth. As Macduff fled the country for protection, Macbeth killed his family instead. Greed perpetuated Macbeth to do anything to obtain and maintain power. Although Macbeth had Lady Macbeth to push him into killing Duncan, and the witches with their prophecies his actions were done on his own free will. Macbeth utters in act I, scene IV “The prince of Cumberland, that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my hearts deep and dark desires: the eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” This quote is from after king Duncan named his eldest son, Malcolm heir of the throne. This quote shows the ambition Macbeth had even at a very early part in the play. Malcolm was just another obstruction keeping him from

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