Weakness Of Heroes In Macbeth - 1475 Words

The typical hero is ordinarily seen as strong, independent and courageous. While some may think heroes would gain strength and bravery from knowing their fate, knowing one’s future can actually lead to the destruction of a hero, no matter how invincible they are. Their downfall takes place because heroes allow this knowledge to run their actions in the most disastrous way possible. The so called heroes from books like â€Å"The Iliad† and â€Å"Macbeth† allow further insight to how this knowledge can become a weakness, even to the most powerful hero. Weakness stems from the very beginning of Macbeth’s journey and continues to heighten with the knowledge of his fate as king. In the story, Macbeth finds out his fate of being king very early on. His†¦show more content†¦So is he mine, and in such bloody distance that every minute of his being thrusts against my near’st of life,†(3.1.131-134). The fact that the prophecy stated that Banquo’s descendants would become king had not evaded Macbeth’s mind either. Due to this fact, the murderers were sent to kill not only Banquo, but his son as well. The scene where Macbeth is explaining that Banquo is a traitor and an enemy of the court portrays the level to which his insanity now lies, and is a representation of his weakness and selfishness that truly developed through his submission to Lady Macbeth and the witches. In the end, Macbeth becomes a tyrant, blinded by his pride and fate, and begins to believe he is invincible. He becomes so drunk with power that he seeks out the witches to find out how he can remain king. They show him three apparitions, one of which explains that he cannot be killed by a man born of a woman. This prophecy allows Macbeth to create a false sense of security because he now believes he’s invincible. In the following scene, Macbeth receives an urgent message on Macduff’s whereabouts.â€Å"Macduff is fled to England...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,†(4.1.160-174). Macbeth feels threatened when he hears the news of Macduff fleeing and retaliates by having Macduff’s wifeShow MoreRelatedThe Tragic Hero Of Things Fall Apart 1283 Words   |  6 PagesMacbeth and Okonkwo What comes to mind when you hear the word hero? You may think of superheroes, a significant figure in your life or anyone else who generally brings greatness about the world. A tragic hero on the other hand is a character who has a flaw that eventually helps aid to their downfall as a tragic hero. In the novel Things Fall Apart written by Chinua Achebe and Macbeth written by Shakespeare, we meet two prime examples of tragic heros. 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