Macbeth

             MACBETH, A TRAGIC HERO.
             Macbeth is a tragedy, which is a play, novel or other literary work that depicts serious and important events in which the main character comes to an unhappy ending. A tragic hero is a person who usually wins some self-knowledge and wisdom, even though he or she suffers defeat or even death. Macbeth is a classic tragic hero because he is not truly bad but experiences a downfall because of a tragic flaw. .
             Macbeth is a good man at the beginning of the play. His courage and bravery is highly praised in the battle between Scotland and Norway. For his bravery in this battle, he was given the title Thane of Cawdor. The Captain says, "For brave Macbeth --- well he deserves that name---" (Act I, Scene 2, line 16). Macbeth is also painted as a man of great stature and potential and the savior of his country with great potential for goodness. .
             Lady Macbeth, his wife, describes Macbeth when she says, "It is too full o" th" milk of human kindness." (Act 1, Scene 5, line 15) .
             Macbeth's character has lots of contradictions. His reaction to the prophesy that he will be king shows that he has a conscience. Macbeth says, "I am Thane of Cawdor./If good, why do I yield to that suggestion/Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair/And make my seated heart knock at my ribs/Against the use of nature?- (Act. I, Scene 3, lines 133-137).
             The witches" predictions horrified Macbeth greatly. His conscience is so strong that the thought of crimes torments him. Macbeth's first response to the witches is fear. Banquo, co-leader of Duncan's Army and Macbeth's friend, is skeptical of the witches. He teases the witches and gives Macbeth advice about them. .
             Macbeth, however, is blinded by his ambition. He begins plotting to murder King Duncan. When Banquo brings up the witches, he lies and says he does not think about them. Macbeth's conscience continues to work on him.