preview

Macbeth Tragic Hero Essay

Decent Essays

In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, the main character exhibits the traits of a tragic hero. Beginning in Act I, as we are introduced to Macbeth, until his death in Act V, this characterization is evident. Macbeth is an Aristotelian tragic hero because he rose to high stature, is extremely ambitious, fell from authority, and experienced a moment of self-acceptance and realization. Macbeth rises to nobility throughout Act I. This social advancement begins in Act I, scene ii, lines 16-19, when Captain is recounting Scotland’s battle against the Norwegians. Captain exclaims, “for brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name- with brandish steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valor’s minion.” Captain is expressing the excess of bravery Macbeth demonstrates during the battle. The next comment about Macbeth’s rise in stature is …show more content…

His first epiphany took place in scene iii, lines 24-31, when Macbeth realizes he will die being remembered as cruel and hateful instead of honorable. Macbeth states, “My way of life Is fall'n into the sere, the yellow leaf, and that which should accompany old age, as honor, love, obedience, troops of friends, I must not look to have, but, in their stead, curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath, which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not.” Macbeth’s next display of realization is in scene v, line 9, when Macbeth’s castle is surrounded by Malcolm’s soldiers, and Macbeth says, “I have almost forgot the taste of fears.” Macbeth indicates that he has forgotten what true fear feels like. Macbeth’s last display of his realization of his mistakes is in scene vii. In this scene Macbeth is talking with Young Siward before they fight. Young Siward asks for Macbeth’s name and he replies, “no, nor more fearful”(line 12). Macbeth is saying that his name is more feared than the devils. Macbeth’s epiphany before death occurs in Act

Get Access