Lecture on Macbeth: An Analysis of the Tragic Hero

Introduction

• Focus: Analysis of Macbeth as a tragic hero in Shakespeare's tragedy.
• Definition: Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero involves:
  • A person of high status experiencing a reversal of fortune.
  • Misfortune due to personal error or frailty (hamartia or tragic flaw).

Macbeth as a Tragic Hero

Initial Representation

• Highly Renowned:
  • Described as brave by a sergeant in Act 1, Scene 2.
  • King Duncan and Banquo refer to him as "noble".
• Setting:
  • Violent world where honor is proved on the battlefield.
  • Examples: Macbeth's battlefield success, Siward's reaction to his son's death.

Macbeth's Ambition

• Encounter with Witches:
  • Witches prophesy Macbeth's future kingship in Act 1, Scene 3.
  • Banquo acts as a foil, contrasting Macbeth's ambition with his skepticism.
• Macbeth's Reaction:
  • Startled by the prophecy, indicating his latent ambition.
  • Admits his "vaulting ambition" in Act 1, Scene 7.

Downfall and Descent into Evil

Key Events

• Actions:
  • Kills King Duncan, orders murders of Banquo, Macduff's family.
• Public Perception:
  • Characters' descriptions of Macbeth become increasingly negative:
    • "Tyrant", "hellhound", "devilish".
  • Malcolm calls him "dead butcher" after his death.

Loss of Humanity

• Relation to Lady Macbeth:
  • Initial love contrasts with apathy at her death.
  • Indicates loss of ability to feel due to his evil path.

Macbeth's Redeeming Qualities

Eliciting Sympathy

• Tragedy and Sympathy:
  • Aristotle: Tragedy should evoke pity and fear.
  • Macbeth's ambition serves as a cautionary tale.
• Shakespeare's Techniques:
  • Key murders (Duncan, Banquo, Macduff's family) occur offstage to retain audience's sympathy.
  • Hecate's speech in Act 3, Scene 5 emphasizes Macbeth's not being truly evil.

Final Bravery

• Battle Scenes:
  • Macbeth exhibits bravery in battle in Act 5.
  • Refuses to surrender even when facing inevitable defeat.

Conclusion

• Tragedy of Ambition:
  • Macbeth's story excites pity and fear.
  • Final heroic moments recall his initial nobility.
• Future Analysis:
  • The lecture hints at further character analyses to be covered in upcoming videos.

Additional Resources

• Encouragement to subscribe and engage with additional content, including a guide to Macbeth.