macbeth :: essays research papers

A Shakespearean tragic hero may be defined as an exceptional being of high degree who contributes to his own degeneration and illustrates a personality flaw. The character of Shakespeares Macbeth is in all ways the perfect good example of a tragic hero. His greatness and bravery in battle for his country ultimately leads him to be a great thane and eventually a powerful king, qualification his actions have a significant impact on a country. Macbeths ambition on becoming a king leads to an obsession to remain in his current position. His ambition comes to a point where he falls to the temptation of evil which leads to Macbeths inevitable downfall. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as a brave man whose performance in Scotlands battle is celebrated. This is clearly evident from the courage in defense of Scotland in the opening scene. A hurt solider describes Macbeths actions as Cannons overchargd with double cracks ... Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe Act 1, sc ene 2, line 37-39 With such positive feedback from the battle, King Duncan can not help but be joyous towards Macbeth and his soldiers. His response to the valiant news is giving him a title which upbrings him from his present position No more thane of Cawdor shall grass ... and with his former title greet Macbeth... What hath lost noble Macbeth hath won Before the hearing of his new title, Macbeth as well as his partner Banquo encounter cardinal witches who give Macbeth a look of what his future beholds. With each word spoken from the witches, the importance he holds for Scotland increases. From Thane of Glamis, to Thane of Cawdor and eventually the all and mighty king. With all the praises he receives and accomplishment about his new title, Macbeths ambition to become a powerful king can not help but rises. Macbeth wins a battle and proves doglike to Duncan, however his ambition to become King is too strong to keep his morals. When his ambition is associated with the witchs pr ophecies, his morals become non-existent for he is easily persuaded into what he wants to hear. For a moment Macbeths ambition takes over, when the thought of killing Duncan comes across his mind, however morality takes over. Why do I yield to such confidential information whose horrid image doth unfix my hair... If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir In spite of this, Macbeths moral decision is cloud-covered by his ambition once again when he hears of Malcolms succession to the throne.