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Essay On Macbeth As A Tragic Hero

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There are many characteristics that a character must have to be considered a tragic hero. Some of these characteristics are being of noble stature, having a tragic flaw, having the option of free choice, having a punishment that exceeds the crime, having an increased awareness, and the production of catharsis. Many characters from many stories fit this view. One example of a tragic hero is Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Throughout the play Macbeth shows these characteristics, whether they are obvious at first glance or not. The loss of one life can affect many others and that is just what happened with Macbeth. The fall of Macbeth was a great one. He was a person who had ranks and one who was well respected. “For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name” (A1 s2). This quote shows the audience that Macbeth was respected. People do not just say that just anyone is worthy of a name with brave. “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Glamis!” (A1 s3). In the beginning he was the Thane …show more content…

However, sometimes one’s ambition can be too much. Macbeth’s ambition for the throne and power ultimately led to his demise. Macbeth would do anything for power. He killed his friends and an innocent woman along with her children. The witches first played with that ambition at the beginning of the play. “All hail, Macbeth, the future king!” (A1 s3). This sentence caused Macbeth to question many things and ultimately kill Duncan. Macbeth had great ambition, however, he used it for the wrong things. If Macbeth did not give in to the ambition that was unlocked by the witches, the story would have turned out much differently. “I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o 'erleaps itself And falls on the other” (A1 s7). This quote alone shows that what keeps Macbeth from going along with the plan is his ambition. His ambition leads to the death of far too many. Perhaps the worst part is that he decided to act upon this

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