Examples Of Hamartia In Macbeth

Life is complex. Writers throughout the ages have brought their stories to the front stage to express an idea that can connect to the viewer. Aristotle is an ancient Greek philosopher and he elaborated on this idea once stating that "A man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall." This is defined as a tragic hero and Shakespeare used this idea many times and can be seen in the play, Macbeth. I consider Macbeth to be a "tragic hero" because of his use of hamartia and anagnorisis.

An example of hamartia can be seen after Macbeth murdered King Duncan. After emerging from the King's chamber, Macbeth explains to Lady Macbeth that he has killed the King and says, "I have done the deed." (2.2.19). Macbeth tells the audience that he has completed the task that he set out for himself. But the audience learns that Macbeth's actions that seemed to be with good judgment were really an error. This connects to the idea of Anagnorisis which is the revelation of the flaw created by the hero.

During Macbeth's conversation with Lady Macbeth, Macbeth explains that he has come to understand that what he thought was a good idea turned out to be nothing more than a murder when he says, "What hands are here? Ha! they pluck out mine eyes!/ Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood/ Clean from my hand? No" (2.2.76-78). Evidently, Macbeth acknowledges that he is nothing less of a murderer and that he must live with the fact that he can never cleanse himself of that.

In conclusion, Macbeth is a "tragic hero" because he displays the traits of hamartia and anagnorisis. Sadly, life is not as simple as the way Shakespeare presents his plays. Life is not the act of one problem with one solution but a collection ideas that form an