Question

Macbeth is similar to the character Oedipus in Oedipus the King by Sophocles. Earlier in the story, he gets in a fight with a man riding a chariot, which ends in the man's death. Oedipus doesn't know it, but the stranger he kills is King Laius of Thebes. What Oedipus also doesn't know is that King Laius is his father. You see, Oedipus was abandoned as a baby and grew up in a different city, never knowing his parents. In fact, once he makes it to Thebes, the people are so thankful the Sphinx is gone that they decide to make him king, so he marries Queen Jocasta, who just happens to be his mother.

Test English 9 Prescriptive Sem 2 Points Possible: 45

In your response, argue that Macbeth's tragic hero status is actually different from Oedipus's. Be sure to...

A. Highlight the similarities in their tragic flaws and the consequences they face.

B. Emphasize the differences in their paths to self-discovery and redemption.

C. Analyze the role of fate and free will in both characters' destinies.

D. Discuss the impact of their actions on the overall theme of the respective plays.

Answer 1

Macbeth's tragic hero status differs from Oedipus's due to their differences in tragic flaws, paths to self-discovery, roles of fate and free will, and impact on the overall themes of their plays.

Step-by-step explanation:

Macbeth's tragic hero status is different from Oedipus's in several ways.

A. Similarities in their tragic flaws and consequences

Both Macbeth and Oedipus have tragic flaws that lead to their downfall. Macbeth's ambition and Oedipus's arrogance are their tragic flaws. Macbeth's ambition drives him to commit heinous acts, such as killing King Duncan and ordering the deaths of Banquo and Macduff's family, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Similarly, Oedipus's arrogance and belief in his own intelligence lead him to unknowingly kill his father and marry his mother, causing a chain of events that result in his tragedy.

B. Differences in their paths to self-discovery and redemption

Macbeth's path to self-discovery is driven by guilt and paranoia. After committing the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth is plagued by guilt and begins to see visions of the ghost of Banquo, causing his paranoia to escalate. In contrast, Oedipus's path to self-discovery is marked by a relentless pursuit of the truth. He investigates the murder of King Laius and gradually uncovers the truth about his own identity and actions. While Macbeth succumbs to his tragic fate, Oedipus takes responsibility for his actions and chooses self-punishment, redeeming himself in the eyes of the audience.

C. Role of fate and free will

Both Macbeth and Oedipus grapple with the interplay of fate and free will. Macbeth initially believes in the prophecy of the witches and feels that fate is driving his actions. However, he also exercises his free will by actively pursuing his ambitions. In Oedipus's case, his tragic fate is determined by the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. However, his free will comes into play as he unknowingly takes actions that fulfill the prophecy. Ultimately, both characters are subject to the workings of fate, but also make choices that contribute to their tragic outcomes.

D. Impact of their actions on the plays' themes

The actions of Macbeth and Oedipus have significant impacts on the overall themes of their respective plays. In Macbeth, the theme of unchecked ambition and the corrupting nature of power is explored through Macbeth's actions and the consequences he faces. The play highlights the destructive consequences of pursuing power without moral limits. In Oedipus the King, the play delves into themes of fate, responsibility, and the power of self-discovery. Oedipus's actions and his ultimate acceptance of responsibility for his fate underline the importance of personal accountability.