How is Macbeth a tragic hero?

1. Macbeth is something of a tragic hero because at times he seems a victim of

preordained fate. Though he is definitely guilty of pride and greed, there is a certain
doom implied in the witches' prophecies. When Macbeth goes to the "weird sisters"
demanding a prophesy, they answer his demands by showing him the future, but in a
cryptic way.

The first appartaion is that of an armed head, which warns thim to "beware Macduff,",
the second is a bloody child who eerily says that "none of woman born shall harm
Macbeth"; the third is a crowned child who says Macbeth will be safe until "Birnam
Wood moves against him."

In Act V, Macbeth is told that Birnam Wood *is* moving against him, his Queen has
taken her own life, and lastly, Macduff informs him that he is not of "woman born" but
was "from his mother's womb untimely ripp'd."

Macbeth falls to Macduff's sword, beheaded. A tragedy, indeed.

1. A tragic hero is a person of noble birth with heroic or potentially heroic qualities.
Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero. He seems fated by the
Gods or by some supernatural forces to doom and destruction or at least to great
suffering. This tragic drama involves choices or free will and results in a paradox,is it
Fate or Free Will which is primarily responsible for the suffering in the hero's life?
Though fated the hero makes choices that bring about his destruction. In addition, tragic
drama usually reveals the hero's true identity. The hero's suffering, however, is not
gratuitous because through great suffering the hero is enlightened. Such heroes learn
about themselves and their place in the universe. Pride is chastened. Though destroyed
the hero is at peace intellectually. Many factors contribute to Macbeth’s description as a
tragic hero. The prophecy which was told to him by the witches, how Lady Macbeth
influenced and manipulated Macbeth's judgment, and finally Macbeth's long time
ambition which drove his desire to be king. Macbeth's growing character degenerates
from a noble man to violent individual. Exploring to a greater extent these ideas that lead
to a tragic hero should help you.
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