Tragic Heroism in Macbeth

Boyan Avramov

Ms. Williams

ENG2DE-01

05.12.2016

Tragic Heroism In Macbeth

        Many stories have heroes, but not all are perfect. Some heroes become obsessed with power, become selfish, and they begin to develop hamartia. This is a tragic flaw in their character, which inevitably leads to their demise. One of the most popular examples of a tragic hero is Macbeth, in Shakespeare's Macbeth. He becomes obsessed with becoming king after he is told of the prophecies by the witches. Macbeth was a noble and respected gentleman. He was rewarded the title of Thane Of Cawdor, but his thirst for power took over. He was willing to do whatever it takes to become king. This eventually lead to his suffering, and inevitably, his fatal end. Macbeth began in a position of power, and respect, but his hamartia and hunger for power lead him to his fatal end.

        Macbeth is a highly respected, noble individual. He is looked up to and praised by many for his great accomplishments in battle. Macbeth is of a high status in the kingdom. He is respected by Duncan and many others. In a conversation with Duncan after battle, he is referred to as "My worthy Cawdor!"(I.IV.49). Macbeth is called worthy by the man who is in control of the kingdom. It is very hard to earn the trust of a king, yet Macbeth has succeeded, proving he is a great man who should be respected. Macbeth is looked up to by many throughout the kingdom for his accomplishments in battle. His captain says "For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name." (I.II.16). Macbeth is praised by his captain, and hailed for his actions in battle. When describing Macbeth's strength in battle, the captain says that he "Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,/ Till he unseamed him from the navel to th'chops."(I.II.21-22). Macbeth was a brave and merciless soldier in battle, doing what he had to, to protect the kingdom. Macbeth is in his best years. He has a beautiful wife, and he has many friends that look up to him. He couldn't be happier, and many wish to be like him.

        Sadly, not all heroes are perfect. Some develop a tragic flaw called hamartia. This happens to Macbeth as he becomes obsessed with the idea of being king after hearing the witch's prophecies. Macbeth begins to think about murder, and is not willing to let anything stop him from becoming king. After he learns that Malcolm is heir to the throne, he says "That is a step on which I must fall down,/ Or else o'erleap."(I.IV.50-53). He is contemplating whether or not he should kill Malcolm so that he becomes king. He is wanting to make sure that the prophecies come true at all costs. He is greedy, and impatient, wanting more and more power sooner. Macbeth's hamartia is leading him into impure thoughts, and he notices this. After his thoughts about Malcolm, he says "Let not the light see my black and deep desires."(I.IV.54). His thoughts are so evil, and that not even the light should see them. Even though Macbeth notices his thoughts, he does not try to contain them. His hamartia gets the best of him, and Macbeth starts acting on his thoughts, trying to become king as soon as possible. After Macbeth Goes through with the murder of Duncan and becomes king, his loyal friend Banquo becomes suspicious, thinking "King, Cawdor, all,/ As the weird women promised, and I fear/ Thou play'dst most foully for't."(III.I.1-3) Banquo suspects that Macbeth has done ill deeds to fulfill the prophecies, and he begins to question the loyalty of Macbeth. He begins to slowly drift away from Macbeth, and he loses a very valuable friend. Even though Macbeth had everything, he decided to go down a dark path in order to receive even more. His hamartia and greed lead him to killing the king, and his friend Banquo, as he begins to go down a path he cannot return from.

        As armies and friends turn against Macbeth, he shows signs of mental instability. He is beginning to suffer, as he starts to give up and hope for the best. Macbeth begins to realize that he cannot get out of the situation he has put himself in. After seeing the ghosts of his victims, Macbeth realizes that he has no way to escape the consequences of his actions, and so he says "I am in blood/ Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more,/ Returning were as tedious as to go o'er." (III.IV.142-144). Macbeth says that trying to go back on his actions will be just as hard as going forward, so he begins to give up as he realizes what awaits him. He is starting to lose hope. He is no longer as passionate to stay king and to have his heirs inherit the throne, but instead, he is more concerned about his safety, and trying to get out of danger. As he begins to focus on protecting himself, Macbeth starts to show signs of mental instability. He starts to make irrational decisions that could jeopardize his safety. When he is warned that the army is fast approaching, Macbeth says that "I'll fight, till from my bones my flesh be hacked./ Give me my armour." (V.III.33-34). Macbeth is willing to risk his life, when he knows that he could easily drop everything and run from the kingdom, saving his life. Instead he chooses to fight a battle that he knows he cannot win. He also wants to put on his armour, long before it is ever needed. He fears what is to come, and wants to feel protected, but even he knows that the armour can't help him. He becomes scared, and tries to deny his fear, but unfortunately, he has lost all hope. He tries to convince himself "Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane,/ I cannot taint with fear."(V.III.2-3), but it does not work, as he is still very frightened. His fear, his mental  instability, and his loss of hope have all contributed to his suffering as he prepares for his end.