Question

In Greek theater, tragedies focus on the tragic hero. This tragic hero is a great man who has one tragic flaw, which brings about his downfall. As the hero accepts the consequences of his errors, he teaches the audience some truth to life. If Macbeth is a tragic hero, what is his tragic flaw?

Answer 1

Macbeth's tragic flaw is his unchecked ambition, leading him to make devastating choices that result in his downfall, aligning with Aristotle's concept of a tragic hero and leading to an audience catharsis.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Macbeth is considered a tragic hero, his tragic flaw, or hamartia, is his unchecked ambition. This unrelenting ambition drives him to embody characteristics that lead to his downfall; it propels him to pursue power at any cost, which ultimately brings about his tragic end. Macbeth's ambition is ignited by the witches' prophecy and is further fueled by Lady Macbeth's manipulative encouragement. It clashes with his moral compass but he chooses power over integrity, resulting in treachery, murder, and ultimately his own death.

Macbeth's character aligns with Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero. He holds a high reputation and displays excellence, but his ambition blinds him, leading to his peripeteia (reversal of fortune) and his anagnorisis (moment of realization). The audience witnesses a once noble man succumb to his darker impulses, evoking both pity and fear, and experiences catharsis as they confront the consequences of unrestrained ambition through Macbeth's demise.