The Journey of a Tragic Hero sydney davidson&Taylor abney
High Estate
"By Sinel's death I know I am Thane of Glamis, but how of Cawdor?...and to be king stands not within the prospect of belief." (1.3.72-75)
Macbeth has been told by the witches he is the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor and soon will be the King of Scotland. He does not understand how he could have all three titles.
Tragic Flaw
"This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion {of murder.}" (2.3.134-138)
When Macbeth is told he has been appointed Thane of Cawdor, he immediately has thoughts of cheating his way to the crown by murdering his own king.
Sense of Urgency
"I go, and it is done. The bell invites me, hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell that summons thee to Heaven or to Hell." (2.1.63-65)
Macbeth has contemplated killing Duncan for a while but now Lady Macbethhas sounded the bell an his decision to follow through has been made.
Murder
"Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more." (2.2.42-43)
Macbeth has killed the king and this strikes the beginning of his tragic downfall.
Misreading of Information
"Then live, Macduff. What need I fear of thee?" (4.1.85)
Macbeth has been given three new apparitions by the witches and although the first tells him to fear Macduff, he interprets the third as a need not to fear of him for his own sense of peace.
Isolation
""The way to dusty death out, out of brief candle: Life's but a walking a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage." (5.5.23-25)
Macbeth has realized that he has done all of these horrific deeds for no reason because his partner and lady is gone and his life now means nothing.
Recognition
I have almost forgotten the taste of fears...I have supped full with horrors. Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts cannot once start me." (5.5.9-15)
His ambitions have led him to do such horrible things he does not attempt to fight the ambitions, they just control him.
Mobilization of Opposition Against Him
"I pull in resolution and begin to doubt th' equivocation of the fiend that lies like truth. 'Fear not Birham wood do come to Duhsinane.' And now a wood." (5.5.41-44)
He has been told that the trees are moving like the prophecy said. He never thought this would happen so now he is losing his confidence as he realizes he has reached the end of the road he embarked on.
Death of aTragic Hero
"I will not yield...lay on Macduff, and damned be him that first cries 'hold, enough!'" (5.8.28-34)
Macduff says that he will not surrender so him and Macbeth begin to fight to the death of Macbeth.
Restoration of Natural Order of Things
"So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone." (5.8.75-76)
Macolm thanks everyone for coming to watch him be crowned king. At this point, the person who was supposed to have the crown (Malcolm) has received it; everything is back to the way it was meant to be.
Credits:
Created with images by Ella Patenall - "Best friends :)" • Ella Patenall - "Best friends :)" • Laubegaster Ufer - "witching hour (1)"