Thursday, January 2, 2020

Defining a Hero in Shakespeares Macbeth - 1308 Words

When one typically defines a tragic hero, he or she may claim that it is a hero of high class that possesses unprecedented courage and exceedingly strength; thus, a hero who also suffers a calamity of their own downfall and ultimate death through their tragic flaw. Their downfall not only causes infliction on oneself, but also inflicts the society. This can be seen and heavily stressed through William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth. In his play, the reader comes across Macbeth, a noble and honorable hero, who ranks highly among his peers. Nonetheless, as the play unfolds, it clearly depicts how power can corrupt even the most honorable. The noble Macbeth usurps his higher sovereignty, King Duncan of Scotland, in order to obtain the throne. However, in doing so, he annihilates anyone and everyone who seeks to stop him. As a result of his fallacious ambition, Macbeth is murdered by Macduff, one of the plethoras of victims of Macbeth’s cruelty. Even if a tragic hero spira ls down to his downfall; can his actions and destruction be interpreted as a monster? When thinking about the qualities of a monster, the reader can agree that they are evil, have no remorse, do not have any guilt, nor respected among the society. However, after analyzing this Shakespeare’s tragedy, it shows Macbeth to be a true tragic hero, rather than a monster. Shakespeare demonstrates this through Macbeth’s high worth and social standing, dormant flaw being ignited, and internal conflict of guilt. TheseShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth And The Human Condition1292 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s plays have been analysed and studied for hundreds of years. They are an iconic aspect of human history and are considered by many, even today, to be timeless classics. But how is it that stories written centuries ago continue to maintain so much relevance in modern society? 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