Shakespeares Macbeth was a Tragic Hero :: Free Macbeth Essays

Macbeth was a Tragic Hero       Macbeth exhi endorsements most, if not all, of the classic traits of a Shakespearean tragic hero almost flawlessly. From his rise to greatness to his ultimate oddment and death, he is most certainly a tragic hero.   At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a thane--a high-ranking vassal to the king, much like a duke. Macbeth is also an eccentric general. Macbeth meets three witches after his victory in a great battle. The witches already know his weakest point and act upon it. Their prophecies rap into his pride he becomes their overly-determined puppet. Ultimately, Hecates last(a) language in scene III.5 show us the true intent of the witches   He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear His hopes bove, wisdom, grace, and fear And you all know security Is mortals chiefest enemy (3.5.30-33).   These lines give us a give us a glimpse at the witches intent. Hecates words also tell us a little bit about Macbeth and his pride.   Although many have argued that Macbeths flaw was over-ambition, this author would have to disagree. Macbeths pride ultimately was what killed him. His pride was what brought him to power as the witches prophesied. It fed his determination, and finally, in Act V, Macbeths final lines show this pride in full-blook at its ugliest   I will not yield, To kiss the ground before young Malcolms feet, And to be baited with the rabbles cause. Though Birnam Wood be came to Dunisane, And thou opposed, being no woman born, Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff And blasted be him that first cries Hold, enough (5.8.28-34).   If Macbeth had had less pride, he would likely have acted much differently. For one, he would have been more discerning of the witches and much less uncoerced to believe the prophecies of his death. Macbeth has victories in many battles. His victories surely fill him with pride. His captain tells King Duncan of his victory in the following lines   As the sparrows eagles, or the hair the lion. If I rank sooth, I must report they were As canons overcharged with double cracks So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe (1.