Question

In a paragraph or two, explain how Shakespeare’s decision to include
seven of them throughout the play helped to characterize Macbeth as a
tragic hero. How might Macbeth have been less of a tragic hero had these
soliloquies been omitted?

Answer 1

Shakespeare’s inclusion of seven soliloquies in "Macbeth" is pivotal in shaping the title character as a tragic hero. These soliloquies serve as windows into Macbeth’s inner thoughts and moral dilemmas, allowing the audience to witness his psychological transformation. Initially, they reveal his ambitious nature and strong moral compass; however, as the play progresses, his reflections illustrate the conflict between his desires and his conscience. For instance, in his famous "Is this a dagger which I see before me" soliloquy, Macbeth grapples with his ambition and the murderous path it leads him down, portraying his complexity and human vulnerability. This internal struggle evokes a sense of empathy from the audience, reinforcing his status as a tragic hero who is not merely a villain but a deeply conflicted individual caught in a web of ambition and fate.

Had these soliloquies been omitted, Macbeth would likely appear as a more simplistic and one-dimensional character, reducing the depth of his tragedy. The absence of his introspective moments would diminish the audience's understanding of his motivations and moral decay, making him seem more like a brute acting on impulse rather than a once-noble figure who wrestles with profound ethical dilemmas. By stripping away these soliloquies, Shakespeare would have robbed Macbeth of the nuance that characterizes him as a tragic hero—a man whose inner turmoil invites both horror and sympathy, thereby elevating the tragic weight of his ultimate downfall.