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William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, unfolds a narrative where the protagonist, Macbeth, embarks on a path that starkly contradicts the conventional traits of a tragic hero.
Rather than aspiring to elevate the kingdom and contribute to its welfare, Macbeth's quest for power takes precedence, leading him down a dark and monstrous trajectory. This essay delves into Macbeth's selfish ambitions, his surrender to fame's intoxicating allure, and his propensity for handling challenges in a manner befitting a monster rather than a hero.
Macbeth's actions reveal a stark departure from the ideals of a tragic hero. Instead of exhibiting selflessness and a commitment to the greater good, Macbeth's sole focus is on personal gain. A key instance is when Lady Macbeth advises him to deceive King Duncan, emphasizing the need to appear innocent while harboring deceit within. Lady Macbeth urges, "Bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, Your tongue. Look like th’ innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t" (1.5.65-68).
This manipulation of trust reflects Macbeth's disregard for the kingdom's well-being, showcasing his monstrous nature.
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Unlike a tragic hero who strives for power to benefit society, Macbeth's motives are purely self-serving.
Furthermore, Macbeth's contemplation of assassinating King Duncan underscores his disregard for consequences and the afterlife. He muses, "If the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come" (1.7.2-7).
A true tragic hero would prioritize moral principles over personal ambition, refraining from endangering the divine order.
Macbeth's willingness to jeopardize the great chain of being exposes his monstrous inclination towards unrestrained power.
Moreover, Macbeth's internal conflict and wavering conscience, depicted through soliloquies and asides, add layers to his complexity. As he grapples with the decision to betray Duncan, Shakespeare provides insight into the psychological turmoil of a character torn between ambition and morality. The internal strife further distances Macbeth from the archetype of a tragic hero, revealing the depths of his inner monstrosity.
Macbeth's descent into monstrosity is further exacerbated by his succumbing to the intoxication of fame. The once noble and valiant Macbeth becomes enamored with his newfound power, neglecting the well-being of the kingdom and even those closest to him.
His demand for knowledge about his future, irrespective of the potential destruction it may bring upon the kingdom, demonstrates his increasing indifference. Macbeth beseeches the witches, "Though you untie the winds and let them fight Against the churches, though the yeasty waves Confound and swallow navigation up... answer me To what I ask you" (4.1.52-63).
This insatiable thirst for personal knowledge, regardless of the catastrophic consequences, emphasizes Macbeth's transformation into a self-centered monster. A tragic hero would prioritize the welfare of the kingdom, considering the potential harm his actions might inflict.
Moreover, Shakespeare's masterful use of symbolism and imagery enhances the portrayal of Macbeth's descent into fame-induced monstrosity. The witches, as agents of temptation, serve as metaphors for the seductive nature of fame and power. The storms and turbulent waves mentioned in Macbeth's dialogue with the witches symbolize the chaos and upheaval that accompany his unchecked pursuit of knowledge, further highlighting the destructive consequences of his monstrous obsession.
Even in the face of Lady Macbeth's death, Macbeth's callous reaction exemplifies the corrosive effects of fame on his humanity. When informed of her demise, he remarks, "She should have died hereafter. There would have been a time for such a word. Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow..." (5.5.17–23).
A tragic hero, in contrast, would mourn the loss of a loved one and show empathy. Macbeth's indifference exposes the dehumanizing impact of fame, as he distances himself from emotions and human connections.
Shakespeare employs Lady Macbeth's descent into madness as a poignant commentary on the dehumanizing consequences of unchecked ambition and fame. Her sleepwalking scene, wherein she attempts to cleanse imaginary bloodstains from her hands, serves as a powerful metaphor for the inescapable guilt and psychological torment that accompany a life driven by relentless ambition. Through this lens, Shakespeare deepens the narrative, emphasizing the collateral damage of Macbeth's monstrosity on those around him.
Macbeth's monstrosity becomes most evident in his ruthless responses to perceived threats. Rather than facing adversaries with courage, he resorts to heinous acts, eliminating anyone who poses a challenge to his power.
Upon learning of Macduff's escape, Macbeth vows to annihilate everything associated with him, proclaiming, "The castle of Macduff I will surprise, Seize upon Fife, give to th' edge o' th' sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls That trace him in his line" (4.1.156-160).
This excessive cruelty not only showcases Macbeth's paranoia but also illustrates his descent into monstrous behavior. A tragic hero would face adversaries directly, seeking resolution through dialogue or fair combat, rather than resorting to the massacre of innocents.
Furthermore, the imagery of Macbeth's soliloquies provides insight into the mental landscape of a character consumed by fear and paranoia. Shakespeare's use of metaphorical language, such as Macbeth's reference to "the edge o' th' sword," conveys the visceral nature of his monstrous intentions. This layer of psychological complexity adds nuance to Macbeth's character, highlighting the internal struggles that contribute to his descent into monstrosity.
Similarly, Macbeth's fear of Banquo leads him to orchestrate a plan for his murder, enlisting others to carry out the gruesome act. He articulates, "I will put that business in your bosoms, Whose execution takes your enemy off, Grapples you to the heart and love of us" (3.1.107-111).
A tragic hero, in contrast, would confront their fears with courage and integrity, rather than resorting to manipulative schemes and violence. Macbeth's actions highlight his monstrous descent into a realm of brutality and moral decay.
Shakespeare's inclusion of Banquo's ghost as a haunting specter serves as a potent symbol of Macbeth's guilty conscience and the consequences of his monstrous deeds. The recurring appearance of the ghost during the banquet scenes intensifies the psychological torment, portraying Macbeth's internal struggle and the unraveling of his sanity.
In conclusion, Macbeth's journey in Shakespeare's play takes a tragic turn as he deviates from the path of a heroic figure. His selfish pursuit of power, surrender to fame, and monstrous responses to perceived threats collectively paint a picture of a character consumed by his own desires. The erosion of empathy and the abandonment of moral principles mark Macbeth's transformation into a true monster rather than a tragic hero. In exploring Macbeth's descent into monstrosity, we gain insights into the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
Macbeth: A Tragic Descent into Monstrosity. (2016, Dec 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/macbeth-tragic-hero-or-monster-essay
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