What is a hero? For the most part the answer to that question is entirely subjective, what someone must do in order to be labeled a hero or, for the matter, a villain is almost entirely up to each and every individual reader. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the speaker introduces the protagonist of the play as a loyal and valiant warrior, typical traits of a hero, but it quickly becomes clear to any reader that Macbeth, the protagonist, is not in any sense of the word a hero. That insufficient heroism can be credited to a prophecy given by three witches that had a similar effect on both Macbeth and Banquo. The only clear hero of the play is Macduff, a man with a strong sense of loyalty to the country he swore to serve. When …show more content…
When Macbeth and Banquo encounter the three witches Banquo is much more skeptical of them, asking “I’ th’ name of truth, are you fantastical, or that indeed which outwardly you show?”(1.3.55). Instead of being captured in words of grandeur, Banquo questions whether the witches are “fantastical” or evil as they appear to be. While he does eventually become more welcoming to his prophecy it is that original hesitation that shows how he does not blindly act in response to something that may be beneficial. Later on, act 3 scene 1 starts with a soliloquy from Banquo that reveals he is suspicious of Macbeth and hints towards some resentment and ambition similar to Macbeth’s. So, like Macbeth, Banquo is not the perfect man and is just as susceptible to the earning for power and success as Macbeth and Macbeth knows it. That is why Macbeth resolves to kill Banquo, he knows Banquo well enough that he suspects Banquo may plot to usurp him just furthering the idea that Banquo is not quite as honorable as initially implied. But, while Banquo may has experienced those pangs of ambition he does not act on them and therefore cannot be labeled a villain. And, in the end we do not know if he ever would have …show more content…
And again, behaves in a way that neither Macbeth nor Banquo would behave and shows how unselfish he is, Macduff acts in a way unmotivated by greed and power. The final idea supporting Macduff’s heroism is his willingness to abandon his own family for the love of his country, which result in his family’s death and causes him obvious pain but Macduff remains sensible and motivates himself to do what is best for his country. While some may place family above country, I see his willingness to place Scotland above all else a testament of his loyalty selflessness. It is this selflessness and motivation to do what is best for something greater than himself that really makes Macduff worthy of the hero
A hero is defined as "someone admired for his bravery, great deeds or noble qualities". There are three categories to which all heroes can be classified into, one of which is the anti-hero genre.
Banquo shows he is immediately aware that the witches are associated with darkness. He chooses not to act on the witches' prophecies, but to be wary and reluctant. He is not ready to involve himself with the witches, since he sees them as a dark force. However, Macbeth is on opportunist and the image of darkness reveals his deepest, darkest desires. This is shown in Macbeth's aside,
What makes a hero a hero? By definition, a hero display courage in adverse situations and who are willing to self-sacrifice in positions of weakness. Based on this definition, the character of Macbeth is not a hero but a man whose lust for power led to his own destruction and take opposition against Ian Johnston’s Introduction to Macbeth. I believe that the character of Macbeth in Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth is not a hero because he was responsible for killing Duncan, murdered people on unjustified grounds, and was the cause of his own demise
Macbeth knows from even before he kills Duncan that Banquo’s loyalty lies with Duncan (2.1.26-28). Banquo suspects that Macbeth killed Duncan. (3. 1.1-4). Banquo suspicions of Macbeth seem to show later in the scene in lines 15-18. He says he is bound to serve the king, but this line in much colder than the interactions between Macbeth and Banquo in Acts One and Two. This possibly tipped Macbeth off to the fact that Banquo was doubting his loyalties. Also, Macbeth knows of the witches’ prophecy to Banquo that his descendants will be kings. (1.3.65-68). Macbeth fears that everything he has done will go to Banquo’s heirs even due to the fact Macbeth does not have children and the possibility of what the witches said coming true (3.1.63-64). Macbeth fears for his throne due to this prophecy and Banquo’s questionable loyalties. He decides he needs kill Banquo to ensure that he has absolute security in his throne and not allow Banquo’s heirs to inherit the throne without any
Banquo his one and only true friend that Macbeth had. Macbeth was concerned about Banquo’s good nature, When the prophecy was given to Macbeth, Banquo was also there and he was also given a prophecy. Banquo was told he was going to be a father to a line of kings but wouldn't be King himself. Macbeth still being greedy did not want to be worried about Banquo being the good person he is and telling everyone else the suspicion he had on Macbeth killing King Duncan and also Macbeth was jealous that he did not have a son to carry on his name. Macbeth then hired 3 murderers to have Banquo and his son Fleance killed so that this prophecy would not turn out to be true. As you can see from here Macbeth has stooped so low just to remain in power, his greed for power is so huge that he is willing to kill his only friend if it means to remain in power and out of his own jealousy of not having a son to take over his throne. After the news of Banquo’s death was given to Macbeth he said he was finally at relief and he had nothing to worry about. But little did he know that same night at his castle he had a feast for becoming King. While the guests were there Macbeth’s mental illness started acting up and he started hallucinating Banquo as a ghost at the dining table. In Act 3 Scene 4 “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee. Thy
Banquo’s existence is a foil to Macbeth, even in death. For example when the witches say “Lesser than Macbeth and greater. Not so happy, yet happier. Thou shalt get king though thou be none” (I.III.68). And the quote: “There the grown serpent lies the worm that’s fled, Hath nature that in time venom will breed” (III.III. 34). It is clear that Banquo’s genuine loyalty and skepticism of the witches makes him the better opposite of Macbeth. Banquo is a devoted father, while Macbeth has none (no heirs), due to all of this he will pose as a threat to Macbeth- “Lesser than Macbeth and greater” the use of oxymoron on Macbeth. The use of personification- Banquo is the serpent- the worm that escapes, his son, he will be the father of kings though not himself, just like the witches predicted. In addition Banquo is a threat to Macbeth in death. For instance when Macbeth witnesses Banquo’s ghost: “Avant, and quit my sight!... Thou dost glare with” (III.IV.113; 117). And the quote: “It will have blood! They say blood will have blood. Stores…The secret’st man of blood!”(III.IV.151; 155). It is clear that Macbeth is stricken with fear and guilt when facing Banquo’s ghost. He is expressing his internal guilt (for the first time) and causes an inner turmoil within him. Banquo almost appears to be a manifestation of this turmoil, and
In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Banquo acts as a foil to Macbeth, and accentuates his counterpart’s ambitions. This contrast is first evident when the three witches appear to Banquo and Macbeth. After telling Macbeth that he will be king, they tell Banquo, “Lesser than Macbeth and greater” (1.3.68). This shows how Banquo parallels Macbeth. Even though he will not be king, Banquo is still great. He is happier, and a better person because he does not worry about power. Unlike Banquo, Macbeth does worry about being powerful and this makes him a lesser person than Banquo, even though he seems to be greater. Another instance of the difference between Banquo and Macbeth is how they react to the prophecy. After the
Throughout history greed for power and wealth has caused people to completely alter their natural ruling method. Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a tragic hero in his quest to be king of Scotland. The reason why I say that is, because for example Macbeth is an admirable, powerful, and well appreciated member of his society in Scotland, a society in which he employs a high position. In the play Macbeth, he is advertised as a tragic hero, and I do sense as if he is a good individual. but keep in mind that may have had to be a villain at once to become a hero. Most villains were once heroes at some point.
... Macbeth is weak and easily swayed as well as thirsty for power. Banquo isn’t easily manipulated by fate or by anyone because he thinks clearly and wisely. Macbeth’s mind has been blurred by his thirst and ambition and because of this he is easily manipulated by the witches and Lady Macbeth.
He is the real hero in this story. He exemplifies honor, intelligence, and some observing skills that possibly saves Scotland. Macduff was able to pick point out the flaws of Macbeth. Macbeth was so suspicious through his actions that it made him transparent to Macduff. He went with his gut which was to leave Scotland to apply for help by the King of England. This was the smartest thing to do to save Scotland because he left without notice and if he had hesitated he would have been killed by Macbeth as well. The tactics Macduff proposed to attack Macbeth and fight back happened to bypass the prophecy and he was able to reach the castle and attack him. The attack was filled with Macduff’s wrath through his fight against Macbeth for Macbeth and his decisions. Macduff says, “I have no words. My voice is in my sword. Thou bloodier villain than terms can give thee out!” (V.VIII.7-9) Macduff explains he has no words for Macbeth and that he would rather explain his hatred through his sword
As with Macbeth the title of king is of more importance than a friend who he has been in battle with and is as his right hand man. “My noble partner you greet with present grace and great prediction of noble having and of royal hope,…” Act 1 Sc 3 this is of Banquo talking about Macbeth as these are traveling along together. Banquo is as a loyal partner and friend to Macbeth. But because Macbeth thinks that he is a better leader he does not want Banquo and his sons to rule the country. “Your children should be kings” Act 1 Sc 3. Even with Banquo being a noble friend this prophecy scares Macbeth and is left with one choice to kill his friend. “With barefaced power sweep him from my sight.” Act 3 Sc. 1. All this for the kingdom.
Tragic heroes, who destined for a serious downfall, are the protagonist of a dramatic tragedy. A tragic hero is usually a great hero, who gets the most respect from other people; on the other hand, a tragic hero can also lose everything he gained because of his mistakes. His downfall is the result of a wrong judgment, a flaw which might combined with fated and external forces. The downfall can cause the tragic hero to suffer for the rest of his life. In many literary works, the downfall of the tragic heroes usually happen in their highest point. In the same way, Macbeth is a tragic hero in the play called “The Tragedy of Macbeth” which is written by a legendary writer, William Shakespeares. Macbeth is a great general who gained many respect from the people and even the king. In the highest point of his life, because of seeking for greater power, it created Macbeth’s downfall. Macbeth, a tragic hero, causes suffering for himself and others by committing murders and creating distress, which are the negative effects of seeking for a greater power.
The definition of a hero according to Dictionary.com states, “A person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.” Modern heroes today are perceived very differently to each person that is asked. For example a modern day hero could be one such as a firefighter, or even someone who was brave enough to stand up to a bully. Heroes come in all different types and sizes. Shakespeare constructed tragic heroes. Tragic heroes begin as likeable and good people that make a terrible decision that eventually leads to their destruction. In shakespeare’s plays the tragic hero always dies. A hero portrayed in Shakespeare’s tragedies have many different character archetypes
Like Macbeth, Banquo had ambitious thoughts, but he does not turn those thoughts into action. Banquo’s character stands good to Macbeth, since he represents the path Macbeth chose not to take a path in which ambition need not lead to betrayal and murder. Banquo’s ghost and not Duncan’s that haunts Macbeth. Macbeth’s guilt for killing Banquo, the ghost also reminds Macbeth that he did not believe Banquo’s reaction to the witches sayings. The only real reason Macbeth killed Banquo was because he found out that him and his wife killed king Duncan and Banquo’s son to become king. I really don't think Macbeth wanted to be king as bad as lady Macbeth did.
What is a hero? Many people think that a hero is a person that changes someone else’s life or the world's society. A hero wants to make a difference in the world and leave a legacy in society. People like this could be considered heroes. William Shakespeare was one of the best British heroes of this century. His accomplishments on his plays, books, and poems, and the legacy he left behind. In schools students read some of shakespeare's