Are the tragic heroes in Shakespeare's plays victims of fate or circumstances?
Shakespeare's Tragic heroes
The question of whether the tragic heroes of Shakespeare's plays are victims of fate or circumstance has been the subject of controversy among scholars and critics for centuries. While some argue that fate plays a significant role in determining the tragic outcome of these characters, others point to various circumstances that led to their downfall.
Shakespeare's tragic heroes are some of the most memorable and captivating characters in all of literature. These are complex personalities with a number of flaws, strengths and weaknesses that make them irresistible and tragic. One of the most intriguing questions about these characters is whether they are victims of fate or circumstance. In this essay, I argue that Shakespeare's tragic heroes are victims of both fate and circumstance, and that these factors contribute to their ultimate downfall.
First, it is important to define what we mean by "fate" and "circumstances." Fate refers to the idea that events are predetermined and out of a person's control. Circumstances, on the other hand, refer to external factors that shape a person's life and decisions. Both fate and circumstances play a role in shaping the lives of Shakespeare's tragic heroes.
One of the most famous examples of the tragic hero in Shakespeare's plays is Macbeth. Macbeth is a brave and respected warrior who is overcome by ambition after he hears a prophecy that he will become king. He kills the king and begins a bloody reign that ends in his own downfall. It can be objected that Macbeth is a victim of fate, because according to prophecy he is destined to become king. However, it is important to note that Macbeth had a choice in how to act on the prophecy. He could have ignored it or pursued the throne more ethically. Instead, he lets his ambition consume him, which leads to his downfall.
Besides fate, Macbeth is a victim of circumstance. He is surrounded by people who encourage his ambition, including his wife Lady Macbeth, who pushes him to commit murder. Macbeth is also in an unstable political situation, with potential rivals for the throne and external threats from invading armies. These circumstances contribute to his decision to take decisive action to secure his power. Thus, Macbeth is both a victim of fate and circumstance.
Another example of a tragic hero in Shakespeare's plays is Othello. Othello is a respected and powerful general who falls in love with a woman named Desdemona. However, his jealous and paranoid nature makes him think that she has cheated on him. He kills her and ends up killing himself. Like Macbeth, Othello is a victim of both fate and circumstances.
Shakespeare's Tragic heroes
Fate plays a role in Othello's downfall due to the machinations of the villain Iago. Iago manipulates Othello into believing Desdemona's infidelity, planting seeds of doubt and jealousy in his mind. However, Othello's own shortcomings and weaknesses also contribute to his downfall. He quickly believes Iago's lies and cannot control his emotions. His jealousy and anger eventually lead him to murder.
In addition to fate, Othello is also a victim of circumstances. He is in a society that places a high value on honor and reputation, making him susceptible to Iago's lies. He is also a black person in a predominantly white society, making him an outsider and prejudiced. These circumstances contribute to his feelings of insecurity and distrust, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
The last example of a tragic hero in Shakespeare's plays is Hamlet. Hamlet is a prince overcome with grief and anger after the death of his father. He becomes obsessed with revenge and ends up causing the deaths of several people, including himself. Hamlet is a victim of both fate and circumstances.
Fate plays a role in Hamlet's story through the ghost of his father, who calls him for revenge. However, like Macbeth and Othello, Hamlet also has a choice of how to react to a situation. He could choose to forgive
In conclusion, while there are certainly examples of Shakespeare's tragic heroes who are victims of fate, more often than not they are victims of their own circumstances and choices. The complexity of these characters and their stories lies in the interplay between these various factors, which ultimately leads to their tragic downfall.
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