Essay Sample on Macbeth As A Tragic Hero

Everybody knows the classic superhero goal: Save as many people as you can from the villain. However, the dilemma many great warriors face is fatal destruction. A true tragic hero has fatal flaws and innocence, inevitably falling into being power-hungry, ruinous, and greedy. In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth commits wrongful murders as he loses his true, noble self in the race to become King of Scotland. While he was once worthy of being King, Macbeth becomes infected with pride and changes for the worse. Macbeth becomes a tragic hero as mistrust and deception lead to arrogance and corruption.

The tragic hero Macbeth was innocent until his fatal flaws led him to become overconfident. King Duncan originally describes Macbeth as, “noble,” “brave,” and a “worthy gentleman.” This contrasts with how Macbeth decides to act later after he becomes too confident, when others call him a greedy, ambitious tyrant. In wanting to prove King Duncan’s portrayal, Macbeth exerts himself to no end and ruins his image in the process. He kills and kills, becoming more aggressive and violent, and is directed on the wrong path to villainism. In the second apparition's prophecy, it is said that “... none of woman born/shall harm Macbeth” (Shakespeare 4.1.88-89). This boosts Macbeth’s ego so he feels invincible, unconquerable, and secure. However, when Macbeth decides to kill his best friend Banquo, he doesn't want to do it himself. He is scared and haunted by Banquo's ghost, and can’t bring himself to look at him. Macbeth is still vulnerable at heart, despite his tough exterior. In short, Macbeth's conceitedness trumps innocence, making him a tragic hero in the worst way possible.

Another quality of a tragic hero is greed by default. A power hungry King still makes mistakes. Macbeth begins to trust anyone and everyone, especially those who promote him, and any other shall be taken down. Macbeth is clearly portrayed as ‘power hungry’ when he confesses that, “[he has] no spur / to prick the sides of [his] intent but only / vaulting ambition” (Shakespeare 1.7.25-27). Nothing is good enough or satisfies Macbeth and soon it will start to affect him. Yet, Macbeth chose power over friendship and love as he becomes King and ruler. From day one, Macbeth puts his trust in the witches' prophecies and lets it get the better of him. He relies on the truth of the witches, no matter what comes, and is surprised to be defeated by his own words in the end. 

Macbeth experiences backlashes and outbursts of emotions after undeniably horrible events. Like any normal human being would be, Macbeth is severely affected by his actions and murders against his loved ones, and by the betrayal of his King. However, instead of Macbeth dying or getting hurt repeatedly like the witches proclaim, this leaves Macbeth vulnerable for his emotions to be destroyed instead of his body. Macbeth sees ghosts and constantly breaks down uncontrollably yet feels his emotions are unjustified saying, “the initiate fear / wants hard use. / We are yet but young in deed” (Shakespeare 3.4.146-147). He believes he needs more practice in the dark, rather than show his true self in the light. Macbeth is afraid. Afraid of becoming endangered because he lets his guard down. Afraid of being too sensitive and not ruthless enough. Even his wife, Lady Macbeth, wishes he could be more heartless and cruel. Macbeth repeatedly contemplates killing each of his victims, reflecting on the past and future. He feels compassionate towards others feelings and his own being affected in horror at his deadly deeds. After he kills Duncan, Macbeth “enters, he is horrified by what he has done,”(Shakespeare 2.2.Summary). Thus, he repeatedly shows vulnerability and emotion, proving he is a tragic hero rather than a villain. 

This far, his fatal flaws and innocence from the beginning give Macbeth the right to be named a tragic hero. He once was what his heart desired; brave, noble, and true Macbeth who fought for his country, King and home. Macbeth may or may not have learned that his arrogance cost him his life and loved ones, but his honor and innocence appear as his true character.