Shakespeares Macbeth was a Tragic Hero :: Free Macbeth Essays

Macbeth was a Tragic Hero       Macbeth exhibits most, if not all, of the spotless traits of a Shakespearean sad hero almost flawlessly. From his rise to sizeableness to his ultimate destruction 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 kindred a duke. Macbeth is also an extraordinary 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 spigot into his pride he becomes their overly-determined puppet. Ultimately, Hecates last lecture in scene III.5 bespeak us the true intent of the witches   He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and remain firm 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 s ome 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 woodland be came to Dunisane, And thou opposed, being no woman born, Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warring shield. Lay on, Macduff And damned 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 clear-sighted of the witches and much less willing to believe the prophecies of his death. Macbeth has victories in many battles. His victories for certain fill him w ith pride. His captain tells King Duncan of his victory in the following lines   As the sparrows eagles, or the hair the lion. If I say sooth, I must typography they were As canons overcharged with double cracks So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe (1.