Macbeth, throughout the play, is presented in an eminent position in society with major flaws, and, as such, fulfills the basic requirements of a tragic hero. Shakespeare introduces him as a brave general, an intelligent resolute man of action whose major flaw of ambition for power leads him to his last battle of death. Because Macbeth was such a strong character in the opening of the play, every perfect hero, has a dark side. The Thane of Cawdor, who later becomes King, is categorized in three sections: bravery, ambition and guilt- and to many, Macbeth, is a true tragic hero. "For brave Macbeth — well he deserves that name — Disdaining Fortune, with his brandish'd steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valour's minion carved out his passage till he faced the slave." (I. ii. 16-20) In the opening of the play we notice how the bleeding captain well expresses his emotions about Macbeth, he praises him as though he were already a hero. Macbeth is respected and praised amongst all the important beings of the time. Throughout the events of struggle of Macbeth, he never failed to show a sense of bravery. During his last battle, Macbeth had the …show more content…
When Macbeth learns he becomes Thane of Cawdor, he seemed satisfied with the idea of small power. It was later when his wife, Lady Macbeth, mocks and demeans his manliness when he plots series of murders to secure his throne. Although, Lady Macbeth does seem like a stronger more ambitious character than her husband, Macbeth does go through with the murder of Duncan. Ambition and power become the most important aspects of Macbeth’s life, without analyzing any of the consequences brought upon his actions. Macbeth’s guilt does lead him to mental anguish and hallucinations. This leads to a greater understanding, that indeed Macbeth, had a conscience. Although, the murder of Duncan does lead Macbeth to the peak of his power, his feelings of guilt