Macbeth as a tragic hero by Prof Chandranath

Macbeth as a tragic hero by Prof. Chandranath Adhikari

Exceptional qualities of a Shakespearean tragic hero § Macbeth – a brave General of Duncan’s army. § A bold, resolute man of action. § Described as ‘Valour’s minion’ or ‘Bellona’s bridegroom’. § Duncan addressed him as ‘valiant cousin’ § In the battlefield, Macbeth was like ‘an eagle among sparrows’ or like ‘a lion among hares’. § Through his personal prowess Macbeth could quell the rebellion against Duncan.

Macbeth’s tragic flaw – his ambition • Macbeth’s secret ambition to be the king was fomented by the witches through their prediction. • He abhorred Duncan’s announcement about Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland • Lady Macbeth’s forceful argument dispelled his initial hesitations and strengthened his guilty ambition • Macbeth could not be happy over the prediction that Banquo’s children would become kings. He wanted the royal lineage just for himself and his heirs.

Macbeth’s progress to self-damnation § Lady Macbeth tempted Macbeth to prove his ‘manhood’ an he yielded to this trap. § The imaginary blood-stained dagger was a warning from his conscience. § He ignored the appeal of his conscience and murdered sleeping Duncan treacherously. § Macbeth lost his peace of mind and yet proceeded to assassinate Banquo and his son. § In spite of suffering a set-back in the Banquet party, he ordered his men to ransack Macduff’s castle and kill the inmates.

Macbeth’s tragedy – wastage of power and prudence o Macbeth possessed many commendable qualities like bravery, skill as a warrior, sharp intelligence etc. o He always suffered from internal conflict while adopting the path of evil. o Macbeth’s position is unique among the Shakespearean heroes – he begins as a hero but ends as a villain. o he loses much of the sympathy of the audience because of his steady moral degeneration. o His end, though justified, produces mixed reaction of pity and relief. o. He reveals traces of humaneness even when he has become a lost soul. o His haunting imagination, his remorse and his increasing isolation force us to retain pity for him