Question

Define the term tragic hero. explain how macbeth is an example of a tragic hero, citing specific examples from the text to illustrate the character's tragic flaws.

Answer 1

I do not see Macbeth as noble enough to be considered a tragic hero. Though he was constantly faced with guilt and strife, he is at fault for his own downfall. Even his major goal in life, to become the King and keep his position, was not done for a noble reason. He was not hurting others because he believed it was necessary to help others or do something righteous, but instead only for his own selfish desires. He wanted to be King because he wanted power and strength. He was too ambitious for the wrong things. Macbeth is destined to live and die in despair because of his own deeds that put him in such a horrible mental state. I do not see any heroic traits in Macbeth that would qualify him as any kind of hero, even though he does gain sympathy from the audience. The only thing Macbeth had almost hero like, was his strong ambition and will to get something done, and in the end he still let go of that when he faced death and simply gave up on everything. He has many flaws, and was too cautious for his own good. Even though he was the protagonist, he did not do anything besides for his own good, and the reason we felt sympathy for him was because the play was centered around him and us hoping for his success.

Step-by-step explanation:

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Answer 2

A "tragic hero" is one in that the reader sees as accomplishing great things, but who also lives a pretty dreadful life in which he is either racked by guilt or is tortured in some other way. MacBeth is tragic because his guilt weighs so heavily on him after killing the kind and taking the throne. He has achieved his destiny which is heroic, but his mental state leads him to despair which is tragic.