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Macbeth: Hero or Villain

             Macbeth is a complicated character whose human nature means that he possesses both good and evil traits. Macbeth's courage, conscience and his tentative approach of moral wrongdoing are as extensive as his evil ambition, cunning and cruelty. While his good qualities bring him to the status he enjoys at the beginning of the play his 'vaulting ambition' (I.vii) exemplifies his less desirable characteristics. Macbeth cannot be discussed as either purely heroic or villainous; the complexity of his character is illustrated by his violent inner conflict which arises from the opposing traits he possesses and is fuelled by his imagination.
             At the beginning of the play Macbeth is introduced to the audience through the words of other characters. The opinions expressed include a description of Macbeth as a 'valiant cousin, worthy gentleman' by Duncan, the king himself . In Macbeth's absence he is described as being 'brave' having fought heroically against the rebel Macdonwald. This is an example of Macbeth fulfilling the interpretation of a hero as 'a person noted or admired for their courage or outstanding achievements.' (Illustrated Oxford Dictionary, Dorling Kindersley). Macbeth's bravery is certainly a heroic quality. We learn of his physical prowess and bravery on the battlefield and in the same speech the Captain directly calls him 'brave Macbeth' and personifies him as 'valour's minion'.
             A modern audience may be sceptical about labelling Macbeth a hero for a killing in battle, but to a Shakespearean audience the threat of rebellion was very real and it would indeed be a hero who prevented it. Macbeth is rightly described as 'noble' as he has fought for his country in a bloody battle. The Captain tells of Macbeth being a fierce warrior and being un-afraid to kill in war describing Macbeth killing Macdonwald as, 'he unseamed him from the nave to th" chops'. At this point in the play it is acceptable for him to be a brutal killer and as it is on behalf of his country.


Essays Related to Macbeth: Hero or Villain

1. Macbeth

In this essay, I would study Macbeth's personality in more detail in order to enable myself to conclude whether he was a hero or villain. ... In the opening scenes of the play, Macbeth has come to be seen as hero. However, we can find abundant evidence in the play that he was a villain more than a hero. ... Another evidence that supports the view as Macbeth being villain is found in Act 2, Sc.1, when Macbeth is having friendly chitchat with his dearest friend Banquo and on the other hand, he orders two murderers to kill Banquo and his Son, Fleance. ... In conclusion, I would reckon Mac...

  • Word Count: 825
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Macbeth - The Tragic Hero

More so, these characters learn from their journeys as they portray a combination of both good and bad qualities, disregarding the idea of being just a villain or a hero. ... His doubtful thoughts, courageous qualities and obsession towards his ambition drives the audience to believe that Macbeth is a tragic hero. ... Macbeth in his case portrays these qualities behind his guilt ridden behaviors, frankly emphasizing that he is a hero behind a mask of malicious mistakes Above all, Macbeth's passion of becoming King is what labels him as tragic rather than just a hero. ... William Shak...

  • Word Count: 1185
  • Approx Pages: 5
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3. Macbeth As A Tragic Hero

A tragic hero's exceptional nature generally raises him above the average level of humanity. ... The one flaw of a tragic hero often takes the form of an obsession or ambition. ... The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a tragic hero. ... One is the evil villain who kills his own best friend, Banquo, just for the sake of gaining the crown. ... While their predictions do not sound too bad to Macbeth, the witches proceed to show he is a villain (Research and Learn 4). ...

  • Word Count: 1453
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Macbeth

Essay Topic: Macbeth is a villain in whom there is little to admire. ... The assertion that Macbeth is a villain in whom there is little to admire is extreme and does not reflect the whole truth. ... A villain can be defined as a wicked or evil person, or a dramatic or fictional character who is typically at odds with the hero. In the case of Macbeth, either definition may be appropriate, for Macbeth does become a wicked and evil person and by the end of the play is at odds with the hero, himself. ... Lady Macbeth would fit the description of "a villain in whom there is little to admire...

  • Word Count: 1027
  • Approx Pages: 4
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5. Macbeth

Macbeth What exactly is a tragic hero? ... There is normally a protagonist, and in this play Macbeth is the villain. ... However, Macbeth at once held a high standard as king that evokes sympathy, but eventually had a downfall, thus making him a tragic hero. ... The influence of Macbeth's wife, Lady Macbeth also help with his downfall to a tragic hero. ... Therefore, Macbeth's character displays some signs of a tragic hero, making him a good example. ...

  • Word Count: 436
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Macbeth

In the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare the protagonist Macbeth mindset changes throughout the play with certain events that influence his mentality. ... In the first Act one accounts Macbeth as being a brave and worthily warrior who is a hero of Scotland. This perspective is altered once Macbeth interacts with the three witches. ... Macbeth now has turned from a hero of his country to a murder of his kinsmen to get what he wants. ... Macbeth in the beginning was viewed, as a hero, later turned out to be a villain and a traitor. ...

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7. Macbeth

Shakespeare's tragic hero Macbeth in the play "Macbeth" is a man of noble birth who falls from a position of honor and respect due to a flaw in his character. Macbeth is the essence of a tragic hero who rises high then falls rock bottom to his death. Macbeth changed from being the "noble" hero in the beginning to the "hell hound" and "villain" as he is perceived in his final days. ... Macbeth's fate in becoming the tragic hero is that he is not the victim of someone else's mistakes. ... When he becomes the tragic hero one can only say that he himself is to blame. ...

  • Word Count: 525
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8. Macbeth - Character Summaries

Depending on one's understanding about the character, the question about whether Macbeth is a villain or tragic hero is a difficult question to answer. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth shows that he is a hero because he fought fearlessly and he showed that he was loyal to his king. Macbeth has certain characteristics, which makes him into a tragic hero. ... Macbeth quickly becomes a villain, after he commits murder and puts his loved ones and his empire in danger. ... These four character should be considered the true villain of the play and not Macbeth. ...

  • Word Count: 1079
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  • Grade Level: High School

9. Macbeth, hero or villian?

How do the audience view the role of Macbeth in act 1, is he a hero or a villain Scene 1 We gain first impressions of Macbeth (main character of the play) before he even enters the play. The 3 witches tell us of the nature of Macbeth's character, saying that thy will meet Macbeth upon a heath. ... Scene 3 The 3 witches wait for the arrival of Macbeth at the top of the heath and Macbeth finally arrives to be greeted by each of the witches with a different title, the first witch greets him "All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis", the second which greets hi...

  • Word Count: 1103
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

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