MACBETH as Tragic Hero

Directions: In the left column, find text evidence to support the tragic hero criteria. In the right column, EXPLAIN your evidence. To support the 8 criteria, you must have at least SIX direct quotes from the text. The rest of your support can be in the form of text details. See sample. This chart is due Monday, December 13. You may earn extra points if you download this chart and type it in Word.

Tragic Hero Characteristic + Text Support

Explanation

• is born of noble birth“By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis.” (I. 1. 71)

Footnote tells us Sinel was Macbeth’s father; he inherited his nobel title “thane” from his father.

• incorporates many admirable “heroic” qualities (need at least 3)

1. Given Thane of Cawdor title for his valor in battle (brave)

2. “Go pronounce his present death,/ And with his former title greet Macbeth” (honorable)

3. ?

1. Duncan rewards Macbeth because he fought valiantly in defense of his king, to save the country from the traitorous Thane of Cawdor

2. The quote shows that Duncan thinks highly of Macbeth; when he orders the execution of the old Thane of Cawdor he thinks Macbeth is worthy of this honorable title.

• has a tragic flaw(s) (a weakness in his thinking or judgment) (need at least 3)1.

2.

3.

• is doomed to make a serious error in judgment (consider how the witches affect him)

• falls from great heights or from high esteem (a reversal of fortune)

• realizes he/she has made an irreversible mistake

• takes responsibility for own fate

• faces and accepts death with honor