"For THe General"

Macbeth


Was Macbeth a tragic hero? Or was he a crazed serial killer who thrived upon the killings of both friends and enemies? Shakespeare’s knowledge of human nature was confirmed again by this tragedy, which reflects the idea of crime and consequence. Macbeth is the story of a well - respected soldier, whose ambition is his fatal weakness. The timely prophecies of three witches about his future confirm his ambition of becoming king and aided by his cunning wife who shares his desires he is driven to evil. In this essay I will try to prove that he had “vaulting ambition” rather than just being a cold - blooded murderer.
Macbeth has all the qualities of a classic Shakespearean tragic hero. He was of high birth and position, Thane of Glamis and co-leader with best friend Banquo of the king’s army. Although co-leader the king speaks of him more frequently than his counterpart and therefore I consider him the senior out of the two. This is confirmed in A...