How will you defend Macbeth, the murderer, as a tragic hero? Give to the point analysis

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Is William Shakespeare's Macbeth a tragic hero ? Does he possess the qualities of a tragic hero, including a tragic flaw, a reversal of fortune, and a moment of recognition or realization according to the strict Aristotelian model? While we run a critical argument about Macbeth as a tragic hero, we should  take into consideration some of the criticisms that have been leveled against his character. 

Aristotelian Model of the Tragic Hero

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Now, the Aristotelian model of the tragic hero has had a significant influence on Western literature, theater, and film. Many famous tragic heroes in literature, such as Oedipus, Hamlet, and King Lear, fit this model. We will judge here if Macbeth fits this model or not. But beforehand, we must learn the basics of Aristotle's model of the tragic hero. The tragic hero is a character of noble stature and has greatness. However, his downfall is caused by a tragic flaw, usually hubris or excessive pride. The hero experiences a reversal of fortune or a change in luck, usually from good to bad. Most interestingly, the tragic hero undergoes a moment of recognition or realization, known as anagnorisis, where they understand the cause of their downfall. The audience experiences catharsis, or the purging of emotions, as a result of the tragic hero's downfall.

Unchecked Ambition

 Macbeth's tragic flaw is commonly noted for his unchecked ambition and his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, including murder. This flaw presumptively  leads to his downfall and tragic end. Macbeth is aware of his unchecked ambition, which ultimately leads to his downfall. While Lady Macbeth encouraged him to assassinate King Duncan and set in motion all of the other tragic events of the play, A. C. Bradley suggested that Macbeth's deadly defect was ambition.

"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other." (Act 1, Scene 7) 


However, critics argue that his downfall is not entirely his fault. They argue that Macbeth is influenced and manipulated by external forces, such as the witches and Lady Macbeth, and therefore cannot be solely responsible for his actions. This argument suggests that Macbeth's tragic flaw may not be ambition but rather his susceptibility to manipulation.

Futility of His Actions

But arguably Macbeth's downfall is also a result of his own actions, rather than all external forces. He becomes increasingly paranoid and ruthless, leading to his isolation and eventual downfall. He thus looks like a die-hard villain. Macbeth's final realization of the futility of his actions and his tragic end demonstrate the tragic nature of his character. It is better to quote Macbeth's famous soliloquy, which reflects his realization of the futility of his actions and the tragic nature of his actions:

"Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow,

a poor player that struts and frets

his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.

It is a tale told by an idiot,

full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." (Act 5, Scene 5) 


In the final act of the play, Macbeth is confronted by his enemies and realizes that he has been deceived by the witches and misled by his own ambition. He recognizes that his actions have led to the deaths of many innocent people, including his close friend Banquo and the family of Macduff. He realizes that he is not invincible and that his actions have led to his downfall.

Macbeth's Anagnorisis

Like that of the Aristotelian model , Macbeth's anagnorisis is a moment of self-awareness where he recognizes the true nature of his actions and their consequences. He is no longer blinded by his ambition and is able to see the truth. This realization ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is unable to escape the consequences of his actions.:

 'gin to be aweary of the sun,

And wish th' estate o' th' world were now undone." (Act 5, Scene 5, Lines 50-51) 


Despite his flaws, Macbeth is a complex and sympathetic character. He is initially portrayed as a brave and loyal soldier, but his ambition and desire for power quickly lead him down a destructive path. Macbeth's inner struggle and guilt after the murder of King Duncan show that he is not entirely evil and that he is aware of the gravity of his actions.

Necessary Moral Goodness or Nobility

Another criticism is that Macbeth does not fully meet the criteria of a tragic hero. While he possesses a tragic flaw and experiences a reversal of fortune, some argue that he lacks the necessary moral goodness or nobility that is often associated with tragic heroes. Macbeth's actions, including his willingness to commit murder, make it difficult for some to sympathize with his character or view him as a hero in any sense.


Furthermore, some argue that Macbeth's downfall is not entirely tragic, as he ultimately receives punishment for his crimes. Unlike other tragic heroes, such as Oedipus or Hamlet, Macbeth's fate is not entirely undeserved, as he is responsible for his own downfall.


While Macbeth may possess some of the qualities of a tragic hero, his character and story are subject to criticism and interpretation. Some may view him as a tragic hero, while others may view him as a villain or a victim of external influences.

Conclusion

However, through the plot we can read his tragic flaw, his realization of the futility of his actions, and the moral ambiguity surrounding his character. While Macbeth's actions cannot be condoned, his tragic journey and inner struggles make him a compelling tragic hero. He possesses the necessary Aristotelian qualities of a tragic hero and his downfall is a result of his own choices and flaws, rather than external forces.


Ardhendu De

Reference

1. Macbeth Character Descriptions | Shakespeare Learning Zone | Royal Shakespeare Company. (n.d.). Macbeth Character Descriptions | Shakespeare Learning Zone. https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeare-learning-zone/macbeth/character/whoswho

2. Macbeth. (n.d.). Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-characters/macbeth/

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