How Is Macbeth A Tragic Hero

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Zero to hero, a phrase everyone has heard and witnessed, as a man rises to fame. Just as commonly seen is a Hero that loses everything to a selfish ambition; Self-made millionaires lose everything because of their greed. Olympic athletes lose their chance to continue competing because of drugs. As humans, we wonder how these notorious people have everything, yet lose everything in the end. The answer usually lies because of an emptiness in their life, trying to be fulfilled with a selfish ambition that leads to a palliative solutions. In Macbeth, we see something else entirely. Although many think ambition is the main reason for Macbeth’s downfall, prophecy is the main catalyst that makes Macbeth a tragic hero. Early in Act 1 Macbeth comes…show more content…
His ambition that was advocated because of the witches’ prophecy. This prophecy affected Macbeth so much, he even shared it with his wife. Many think his wife made Macbeth kill Duncan for the throne, but it was Macbeth with the king’s blood on his hands. Macbeth with the thought of Duncan’s murder on his mind. Macbeth with the prophecy of becoming king in his heart. Lady Macbeth may have influenced the murder, but at the end of the day, Macbeth shed Duncan’s blood for his own selfish intentions. How did Macbeth go from a trusted thane to murdering his own king? This question isn’t simple, but the origins of his ambition started with the witches’ first prophecy. This changes Macbeth’s every thought to becoming the king. He became obsessed with this humane lust for power, killing his king despite loyalty. Macbeth realizes that his power came from an ordinance beyond him though. Even though Macbeth sped up his prophesized fate, he knew deep down he wasn’t responsible for his fate of becoming the king. He realizes it was the witches’ prophecy that designated his life’s hierarchy. Macbeth had no choice but to return to the witches and insist on knowing his future. Sadly, Macbeth had become ignorant to his destined future of becoming a tragic hero. This future was originated by a prophecy that led Macbeth into a crazed obsession for power. Now, Macbeth returns to the witches…show more content…
Howe'er you come to know it answer me. Though you untie the winds and let them fight against the churches. Though the yeasty waves confound and swallow navigation up. Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown down. Though castles topple on their warders' heads. Though palaces and pyramids do slope. Their heads to their foundations, though the treasure. Of nature’s germens tumble all together. Even till destruction sicken, answer me. To what I ask you” (Shakespeare 394). Macbeth declared for them to tell him what he wanted. They revealed three prophecies to feed Macbeth’s hunger for fame. The problem was they were feeding his pride with their prophecies, making Macbeth blind to their warned dangers. Macbeth was warned of Macduff, Birnam woods to march at Dunsinane, and something born not from a mother’s womb. Macbeth heard what he wanted to hear though. Macbeth went to find wisdom for his fate, but left with a prideful heart. What Macbeth didn’t know was the wisdom and answers he was looking for would cause more problems, making his tragic downfall inevitable. “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief” (New International Version, Ecclesiastes 1.18). Macbeth left the witches feeling more and more confident that no man born of a woman could harm him. At this point in the story Macbeth had killed a loved king, trusted friends, victorious thanes,

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