Macbeth: The Qualities Of A Tragic Hero

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth portrays many qualities of a tragic hero. One particular quality Macbeth portrays is hamartia. The witches address Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and “All hail Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter” (1.3.53), both of which he is not. With Macbeth’s new title as Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth starts wondering if he will likewise become king. Macbeth, being a noble, is not in a position to rise up to the rank of a king however; he is very ambitious. Macbeth’s ambition leads him to irrational and bizarre actions such as murdering Duncan and Banquo. Macbeth’s hubris also motivates the murders made by Macbeth. “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires: The eye wink at the hand! Yet let that