In Macbeth, Macbeth was a tragic hero because he had a flaw in his personality that ultimately caused him to perish. His conflict was that he wanted power too badly and would kill to get it. His ambition made him lose sight of what he had and focus on what he wanted. In the end, because of his tragic flaw, he ended up being killed
John Proctor is the tragic hero of “The Crucible” as Arthur Miller gives him many positive traits, but he also had a darker side to his otherwise pure nature. His affair with Abigail Williams, leading to his eventual fatal downfall as well as the downfall of others as a result of one action. However, he was very willing to at least reverse the effects of his actions to save others around him, even if it meant he had to die for it. The more shocking reality is that these events were factual. The righteous nature of John Proctor to always seek the truth and denounce those who abuse their given powers is none more evident as he exposes the corruption that existed in Salem.
Finally, the fate of a tragic hero does not leave the audience in a state of depression, but draws solemn emotions of pity and sympathy. Oedipus, King of Thebes is a prime example of a tragic hero, as defined by Aristotle because he posses all of the characteristics necessary to be classified as such. To be a tragic hero, one must be of noble stature and greatness. This applies perfectly to Oedipus, as he is the king of Thebes. He was not born into this position, rather acquired it for solving the riddle of the riddle of The Sphinx.
This play exhibits tragedy because, though Proctor had many opportunities to change his fate, he chooses his demise because his tragic flaw prohibits him from doing otherwise. John Proctor is the tragic hero of the play, “The Crucible.” He has a high social status in the town, yet, because of his tragic flaw, he cannot bring himself to prevent his own death and tragic downfall. Proctor exhibits these tragic traits, making this play a tragedy of self-respect prevailing over shame and public
While it may be only one flaw, it is often fatal. An example of a tragic hero can be best seen in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. Marcus Brutus is a prominent leader and noble citizen of Rome who leads in the assassination of Julius Caesar. We see that Brutus plays the role of the tragic hero through his noble standing, fatal flaw, and legacy. Marcus Brutus is of noble standing which adds to his appeal as a tragic hero.
Oedipus saves the citizens from the totalitarian rule of the Sphinx, by solving the difficult and complicated riddle. Then again, near the conclusion of the play, Oedipus shows courage and self-sacrifice for the benefit of his people. He gouges out his own eyes and exiles himself from Thebes to save his people from the devastating plague. All this is evidence of Oedipus’ abundance of integrity and overall heroic qualities, in turn exhibiting his morality, virtue, and nobility. Oedipus is undoubtedly a righteous hero.
Accordingly, this play sends a strong message of fate and free will to the audience. Oedipus’ free will to pursue knowledge of his identity is significant; fate is responsible for Oedipus’s incest and many of the other devastating events in the play. By the importance of fate, Sophocles sends a message across that his characters cannot be fully responsible for their actions. A perfect example of this is blaming Oedipus for marrying mother. His ignorance was his flaw leading to his downfall, fulfilling the prophecy he “tried” so hard to avoid.
Because of Iago’s web of lies, Othello was transformed into a monster, who no longer spoke to Desdemona gently, but rather struck her in public. The emotional change of Othello was extremely evident as he was so utterly in love with Desdemona in the beginning, yet by the end he could actually bring himself to kill her. Othello seemed to be tragically flawed in the sense that he was too proud to stand the fact that his wife had been unfaithful. Being a general he was always in control, and Iago made it seem that he did not have complete dominance over all aspects of his life. Every lie brought him deeper into his madness, and he appeared to be so
Loneliness puts The Monster in a mentally unstable position. He believes that he is a monster for the reason being he was created by one. In comparison, Othello’s betrayal is demonstrated throughout the play, but especially through Iago when he confesses to the audience his plan to manipulate and destroy Othello’s love life with Desdemona. Although Othello trusts Iago with anything, Iago hates the “Moor” and is willing to do anything to destroy him. Iago feels that the best way to do so is by manipulating Othello telling him that his wife is cheating on him with Cassio, who Iago coincidently hates as well.
John Proctor's fatal flaw was his great amount of pride, and that slowly tied a series of unfortunate events which eventually made John Proctor succumb to his death. Unfortunately, Proctor dies for a crime he did not commit. Another necessary part of the tragic hero is that he or she has a complete reversal of fortune brought by the hero's own flaw. Proctor's life completely turned upside down when Abigail accused his loved ones who then were sent to jail, or executed. At the end of every tragic play, the audience must feel pity or remorse for the deceased hero.