Macbeth Context & Analysis

Question 1

What is a tragic hero?

Answer 1

The protagonist of a tragedy in drama, a hero with a fatal flaw.

Question 2

Why is Macbeth a tragic hero?

Answer 2

Macbeth is a hero for his efforts do defend Duncan in the rebellion early on but his fatal flaw is his ambition.

Question 3

An Aristotelian tragic hero must possess specific five characteristics, what are they?

Answer 3

• A flaw or error of judgement (hamartia).
• A reversal of fortune (peripeteia) brought about because of the hero’s error in judgement.
• The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero’s own actions (anagnorisis).
• Excessive pride (hubris).
• The character’s fate must be greater than deserved.