Beowulf Tragic Hero

The concept of a "tragic hero" is nothing new; it has been in use from as early as 335 BCE, when it was introduced into Greek theatre as a character element in tragic plays. Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, first documented such a character in his book Poetics, defining a tragic hero as "a [great] man who is neither a paragon of virtue and justice nor undergoes the change to misfortune through any real badness or wickedness but because of some mistake" (Else 38). Thus, it should not be a surprise that Beowulf, protagonist of Beowulf by William Shakespeare, is lead to his eventual doom: it's already been done before. Above all, Beowulf does indeed match the classical definition of a "tragic hero" on all facets: by beginning as a hero, making poor judgements, and ending with ruin. …show more content…
Towards the beginning of the play, Macbeth was treated with valor and respect after returning from a battle with enemy forces from Ireland and Norway. His encounters in battle prove his bravery, "The Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict / till that Bellona's Bridegroom, lapp'd in proof, / confronted him…" (Shakespeare 15 62-64). This comparison of Macbeth to Bellona, an Ancient Roman goddess of war, bolsters his eminent position at the beginning of the play; it shows that he was a courageous warrior and that his honor was justified. Not only was MacBeth well-respected for his actions during battle as a Captain, but for having stopped a traitor from Scotland as well, Macbeth was named the new Thane of Cawdor, "Go pronounce [Thane of Cawdor's] death, / And with his former title greet Macbeth" (Shakespeare 15 75-76). For the King of Scotland to not had merely acknowledged Macbeth's actions in respect, but to also pronounce him as a Thane of Cawdor reproves his high honor; it would be an honor to be made into an exemplar by a