Is Macbeth A Tragic Hero

A great play has to include many important features in order for it to be classified as a tragedy. For any great tragedy, there must be a tragic hero in the story. Fear and pity are created by and through the conflict. Every tragedy must also end in hope. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a great tragedy deserving of much more praise. The play Macbeth is classified as a tragedy because it contains a tragic hero. To be a tragic hero, one must be brave. A captain from the rebellion says; “all’s too weak;/ For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name)”. (Act I sc (ii), lns 17-18) Macbeth fought hard for his king during the rebellion and this makes him brave. A tragic hero must also make choices. Macbeth had to make difficult decisions involving
the murders of Duncan, Banquo and Macduff’s family. For Duncan’s murder, it was difficult because as Macbeth says; “we do but teach/ Bloody instructions”. (Act I sc (vii), lns 8-9) After much thinking, Macbeth chooses to kill him anyway. For someone to be classified as a tragic hero, they need to restore order. Macbeth did so in the beginning of the play when “he unseamed [Mcdonwald] from the nave to th’chops/ And fixed his head upon our battlements.” (Act I sc (ii), lns 24-25) By killing one of the major rebels, Macbeth restores order. Macbeth, being a tragic hero, helps classify Macbeth as a tragedy.
A tragedy must include pity and fear created by and through the conflict.
A significant event in this story was when Macbeth murdered Duncan. This struck uneasiness throughout Scotland and some people feared for their lives. Malcolm and Donalbain especially were afraid because they believed; “There’s daggers in men’s smiles.” (Act II sc (iv), ln 165) Banquo’s murder is a fearful moment as well. Macbeth orders murderers to kill Banquo by saying; “Who wear our health but sickly in his life,/ Which in his death were perfect.” (Act III sc (i) lns 119-120) Macbeth is the cause of his innocent friend’s death and he does it purely for his own benefit and personal gain. Macbeth also causes the death of Macduff’s family. He says to Macduff; “My soul is too much charged with blood of thine already.” (Act V sc (viii), lns 6-7) when Macduff challenges him. The family has neither harmed nor threatened Macbeth in any way. There is pity felt for the deaths of these innocent people and fear of the murderous Macbeth throughout Scotland. This fear and pity adds to the point that Macbeth is a
tragedy.
For a play to be described as a tragedy, the story must end in hope.
Hope is restored in Scotland because Macduff has defeated the power-hungry ruler, Macbeth. After this death, Macduff says; “Behold where stands/ Th’usurper’s cursèd head.” (Act V sc (viii), lns 66-67) Along with this event, Malcolm is crowned king. Macduff also says; “Hail, King! For so thou art.” (Act V sc (viii), ln 65) Malcolm is a greater leader than Macbeth because he is much more trustworthy and honest. This fills the people of Scotland with hope. Scotland is with hopeful also because their country is once again peaceful and free of rebellions for now. Malcolm says; “. What’s more to do,/ Which would be planted newly with the time” (Act V sc (viii), lns 77-78) Malcolm is talking about change and as the new leader, he can do so. Change from all the fighting and death is what is most needed by Scotland. This tragedy does, indeed, end in hope for the whole country.
Shakespeare’s Macbeth is an excellent tragedy that deserves great recognition. This play contains a tragic hero who is brave, has to make choices and restores order. There is fear and pity throughout the play caused by the murders of Duncan, Banquo and Macduff’s family. As well, the play ends in hope because Macbeth is killed, Malcolm is crowned king and peace is restored in Scotland. These are all key aspects to a great
tragedy.