Overview
This lecture analyzes the character of Macbeth as a tragic hero, exploring his traits, downfall, and the audience’s response as shaped by Shakespeare’s choices.
Macbeth as a Tragic Hero
- Macbeth fits Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero: highly renowned, suffers a reversal of fortune, and has a tragic flaw (hamartia).
- His tragic flaw is his ambition, which leads to his downfall.
- Macbeth’s fall is caused by personal choices rather than pure evil or outside forces.
Initial Presentation of Macbeth
- Macbeth is introduced as a brave and respected fighter, praised by the Sergeant, King Duncan, and Banquo.
- The play’s world values strength and violence; might makes right.
- Macbeth is regarded as "noble" by multiple characters in the early scenes.
Macbeth’s Ambition and Contrast with Banquo
- The witches’ prophecy provokes Macbeth’s ambition and startles him.
- Banquo, who receives a similar prophecy, is skeptical and cautious, serving as a foil to Macbeth.
- Unlike Banquo, Macbeth is deeply affected and driven by the promise of becoming king.
Macbeth’s Downward Spiral
- Encouraged by ambition, Macbeth murders King Duncan and later orders more deaths.
- Other characters’ views of Macbeth shift from admiration to calling him a tyrant, devilish, and hellhound.
- Macbeth becomes desensitized, showing little reaction to his wife’s death late in the play.
Maintaining Audience Sympathy
- Key murders take place off-stage or are carried out by others, preserving some audience pity for Macbeth.
- Hecate describes Macbeth as "wayward" but not wholly evil, reinforcing he is not pure villain.
- Even in his final moments, Macbeth displays bravery, reminding the audience of his former nobility.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tragic Hero — A high-status character who suffers a downfall due to a personal flaw.
- Hamartia (Tragic Flaw) — The personal error or frailty that leads to the hero’s downfall.
- Foil — A character whose contrast highlights the qualities of another.
- Soliloquy — A speech where a character speaks thoughts aloud, typically alone on stage.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Act 1–5 for key scenes showing Macbeth’s changing character.
- Prepare notes comparing Macbeth’s and Banquo’s responses to the witches.
- Read ahead for further character analysis in upcoming lectures or videos.