Shakespeares Macbeth and Hamlet as Tragic Heroes Essay

Macbeth and Hamlet as Tragic Heroes William Shakespeare has written many literary works - from his sonnets to his plays, each has its own individual characteristics. One popular characteristic that comes from his plays is the tragic hero. The audience can always relate to the tragic hero and the many trials he faces. Macbeth and Hamlet are just two of Shakespeares plays that involve the tragic hero. Through their nobility, tragic flaws, and dignity Macbeth and Hamlet prove to be tragic heroes. Macbeths nobility begins with the title, thane of Glamis (1.3.74). After the original thane of Cawdor (1.3.110) dies, Macbeth gains this title as well. Once the witches reveal the prophecy that Macbeth would be†¦show more content†¦Every tragic hero has a tragic flaw. Macbeths tragic flaw is his ambition. There is no other reason for the evil he does besides his vaulting ambition, which oer leaps itself (1.7.27). Macbeth has such a strong desire to be king; he would kill his friends and loved ones to succeed in his task. Macbeth would not have been inclined to take action in murdering without the help of the witches and Lady Macbeth. These women push Macbeth to the idea of becoming king, but because of his tragic flaw, ambition, Macbeth proceeds with the plan on his own, which leads to corruption. Hamlets tragic flaw is his indecisiveness. He promises his father he will sweep to [his] revenge (1.5.31) with wings as swift/ as meditation, (1.5.30) but does not kill Cl audius till the end of the play. This lack of action shows he is incapable of acting on his word even though his father was the one who was murdered. Hamlet consistently makes excuses to avoid dealing with his promise. Even when he had the chance to kill Claudius while he was praying, his indecision kept him from doing so. Also, Hamlet avoided revenge by not trusting the ghost and scheduling the play. Macbeths and Hamlets tragic flaws led them to their utter destruction. For the tragic hero, dignity comes too late for salvation. Macbeth and Hamlet make a change in character too late in the play to have an impact on their fate. MacbethShow MoreRelatedThe Heroes Of A Hero1082 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent heroes today. There are the heroes you read about in books and watch in movies such as The Avengers and X-Men, and there are the everyday heroes such as doctors, police, and soldiers. There are also tragic heroes. Shakespeare is famous for his tragedies and tragic heroes in them. The traits that make a character a hero in today’s society is, someone who is brave and courageous, strong and fearless selfless, and always wanting to help someone else in need. 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