Macbeth's Transformation

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In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, he transforms from a hero to a tyrant. Someone first known to have a high status, evolves into an oppressive being. During Macbeth’s journey to become king, he faces both internal and external conflict. This leads to his loss of wisdom, as he ruins his life as his power increases. Following various characteristics of Aristotle’s theory, Macbeth is a tragic hero. He is a figure of high position, known to be morally good. However, Macbeth’s devastating downfall can be blamed on his hamartia, having grand ambitions. Eventually, a tragic hero must end with death, which Macbeth faces at the end of the play. All people begin as a kind and compassionate individual, who is respected. Known by many, Macbeth takes …show more content…
While Macbeth ultimately dies, his plans and ambitions lead to nothing. Following Lady Macbeth’s death, Macbeth contemplates his life saying, “Out, out, brief candle! … It is a tale / told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing” (5.5. 22-27). Macbeth has realized his plan to the throne has failed, believing his life is pointless. Subsequent to recognizing his mistakes, Macbeth faces his own death. Prior to his fight with Macduff, Macbeth cries, “Yet I will try the last. Before my body / I throw my warlike shield” (5.8.32-33). Macbeth puts forth his greatest efforts as a final attempt, and with his death, it reinforces Macbeth as a tragic hero. Concluding the story of Macbeth, one learns the awful fate of a tragic hero, who was once glorious. Macbeth’s tragic flaws throughout William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, depicts signs of degradation. Macbeth is proven to be a tragic hero of the play, according to the following distinct characteristics of Aristotle’s theory. Macbeth is inherently pure, a common characteristic of a leader. Moreover, his dismal demise is caused by his hamartia, having grand aspirations. Lastly, the fate of a tragic hero is always an untimely death. Though many may blame fate for his passing, Macbeth’s fatal flaw leads to the conclusion that he is a tragic

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