Macbeth character analysis
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8 Terms
What is a tragic hero?
Aristotle defined a tragic hero as someone who is highly renowned, changing from noble to evil and whose misfortune occurs due to their hamartia.
“brave Macbeth” “unseam’d him”
Indicates the violent world in which the play is set. People prove themselves worthy of honour by their actions on the battlefield.
“noble”
King Duncan refers to Macbeth as noble, which is repeated in Act One, Scene 3, by Banquo - “noble partner”
Macbeth is clearly highly renowned. Begins the play as a man highly respected by others.
What do we begin to see when Macbeth meets the witches?
His hamartia, his “vaulting ambition”. This is shown through the contrast between Macbeth and Banquo’s reaction to the witches.
What is Banquo used as?
A foil - a character who contrasts with another character, to highlight qualities of that other character.
What are Macbeth and Banquo’s similarities?
Both in favour of king.
Both given prophecies by witches.
Both promised greatness.
How does Banquo react to the prophecies?
Uninterested and skeptical
How does Macbeth react to the witches’ prophecies?
Banquo asks “why do you start” meaning why are you so startled. Makes audience question why he is so startled. Witches have given voice to his inner ambitions and latent desires.