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Macbeth: Hero or Villain?, 2003.
A discussion of whether William Shakespeare's character of Macbeth can be considered a hero or a villain through his actions in the play.
2,523 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and in particular, analyzes how the character of Macbeth goes from being a brave loyal soldier to a murderer by the end of the play. It looks at how Macbeth is loyal to the King and serves his country as a soldier, not like the Thane of Cawdor. It also examines how at the start of the play Macbeth is ambitious, brave, superstitious and dedicated to his wife and how he becomes cruel and deceitful from the influence of Lady Macbeth. It explores the events that show this change i.e. the murders Macbeth commits, his intentional revisit to the witches and his response to his wife?s death.
From the Paper
"At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a brave and loyal soldier in King Duncan?s army. He killed the enemy in the battle; the situation was very treacherous which makes him a hero. Before Macbeth appears, he is described by King Duncan as ?noble? Macbeth. Macbeth is seen as a strong soldier who is trustworthy and brave, a truly laudable figure. Duncan describes him as ?worthiest cousin?. To the wounded sergeant, he is ?Valour?s minion?. All of these descriptions show that Macbeth is a loyal soldier and fought for his country very well. Macbeth puts his country and life before himself. This is what a true hero is, someone who puts other people before himself."
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Macbeth, A Tragic Hero, 2001.
Essay which shows how Shakespeare's Macbeth was a "tragic hero" using direct quotations from the play, based on Aristotle's theory.
1,278 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
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Abstract
Using the four ideas defined by Aristotle of what a tragic hero is, this paper shows Macbeth being a tragic hero. The four points are that he was of noble birth, he had a huge fatal flaw, he took a great fall at the end of the play, and he showed recognition of what he has done.
From the Paper
"A couple thousand years ago, a writer by the name of Aristotle made a set of rules by which many other writers, famous or not, set the basis of their stories and plays. Very well known in his time for his philosophies and his writings, Aristotle?s works have been guidelines for all. One specific piece of work has changed the idea for all plays and stories of today: Aristotle?s Poetics. In this very well known piece of literature, Aristotle discusses and lays down his guidelines for a tragic play. There are four ideas which he says every character must have in order to be a tragic hero. He must be of noble birth, he must have a fatal flaw, he must take a great fall, and he must have recognition of what he has done. Several centuries later, a man by the name of Shakespeare wrote several famous plays, one of which is named Macbeth. Shakespeare is one of those great writers who followed Aristotle?s great idea for a tragic hero. In Macbeth, the main character does many things that seem not to make him a tragic hero, but by definition Macbeth is a tragic hero."
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Macbeth - The Tragic Hero, 2002.
A review of how Shakespeare's Macbeth manages to ruin his own life due to careless actions and becomes a true tragic hero.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper argues that through a series of bad decisions, Macbeth single-handedly ruins his own life. By allowing himself to be influenced by outside forces, Macbeth diffuses his own moral strength and good nature, which were the very things that led him to greatness. The writer shows how, step-by-step throughout the play, the reader can watch Macbeth?s character deteriorate until he has nothing left. It concludes that Macbeth might have been a tragic hero, but the tragedy was of his own making.
From the Paper
"In the beginning of the play, Macbeth demonstrates characteristics of a hero and a leader. His loyalty to the king transforms into a desire to be king. This is evident in the first scene when Macbeth encounters the witches and falls victim to their curses and predictions. Because of his false sense of security, he believes everything they say. In a rather simple move, they have successfully tempted him with the idea of becoming king. Macbeth reveals his weakness in character when he allows himself to be swayed by what the witches tell him. Shakespeare paints a picture of a man that is somehow mesmerized by them and lulled into a ?fantastical? state of mind (1. 3. 139). Because he listens to them, he opens the door to fear and doubt; by believing what they say, he welcomes ambition."
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Maximilien Robespierre: Hero or Villain?, 2002.
This paper asks and attempts to answer the question: Was Robespierre a villain for leading the Reign of Terror or was he a hero serving the creator by whatever means were necessary?
1,386 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The writer looks into the historical figure of French revolutionary thought, Maximilien Robespierre. The paper questions whether he can be seen as a hero or villain based on his extreme actions and involvement in the Reign of Terror in which many people were killed.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Reign of Terror
The Change of Heart
Conclusion
From the Paper
"His first real anti-government essay was a pamphlet he produced prior to an election in his hometown. In it, he describe, quite honestly and frankly, how the government was oppressing the poor. The classic clich? of "the rich become richer while the poor become poorer" was literally true. He never set himself forward as a candidate for the election, but didn't take himself out of running when his friends nominated him. Instead, he began to influence others' chances of being elected so that the whole area would be governed by like-minded men (39-41). For anyone wanting to change the government, either hero or villain, one must start small."
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Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain?, 2000.
While Columbus is traditionally hailed as the heroic discoverer of the New World, his actions reveal that this historic figure was less than honourable.
1,827 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the actions of Christopher Columbus and reveals his underlying motivations. It is demonstrated that the demands he made were outrageous and he sailed only out of greed. He deceived his crew and manipulated the King and Queen of Castile in a desperate attempt for wealth and glory. It looks at how Columbus' incredible brutality toward the natives not only set a pattern for future contacts between Europeans and Indians but finally outraged the authorities in Spain to the point where he was brought home in chains.
From the Paper
"In the spring of 1486 Columbus brought his plan of a westward voyage to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Castile. Instead of immediately approving his proposition, they appointed a special commission to carefully study his proposals. The commission took four years to make its report and during that time Columbus unsuccessfully took his plan to England and Portugal. When the Spanish commission gave its report, it too condemned his proposed expedition as impractical. Ferdinand and Isabella were too preoccupied with the conquest of the Muslim kingdom of Granada and had no time for voyages into the unknown. Despite all this, they hinted that it might be worth trying again in a few months."
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Jesse James: Hero or Villain, 2003.
Examines the life of Jesse James, America's most famous outlaw, and considers the question of whether he is an "American Robin Hood" or a common thug.
3,894 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This extremely detailed term paper tracks the life of Jesse James from his days in the Civil War as a partisan raider through his life as an outlaw. It discusses the various segments of his career as an outlaw, leader, and gunfighter until his death and analyzes whether his actions should be vindicated or condemned.
From the Paper
Theodore Roosevelt, in Century Magazine of 1880, was said to have felt that the phenomenon of the western outlaw could only be understood if the absolute wilderness of the plains during the frontier period was taken into account. Jesse James is far and away the most infamous and best-known outlaw in American history. Modern culture, as evidenced by movies such as American Outlaws, depicts Jesse James as an ?American Robin Hood?: ?His yew bow is a Navy Colt; his jerkin a faded blue coat. He never fails to distribute his stolen loot among weeping widows about to lose their homesteads. Old men receive his coat in the freezing cold with tearful thanks. He reduces to a bloody hulk the bully torturing the frail young farmer, recently arrived from the East to till the soil? . Perhaps more credible individuals take the opposite view, and they write that: ?Jesse James was simply a cold-blooded killer and a thief. There is no credible evidence that he ever gave one cent to a widow or anyone else in need, nor did he take up arms to help the weak. For most of his life he was hunted like a wild animal, able to survive only because he and his gang could intimidate weak-spined county officials or count on kissing kinfolk to hide them out? . But who was the real Jesse James? Was he more likely to defend the downtrodden or prey on them? The answer is probably none of the above. Jesse James was no more a murderous thug than he was a defender of poor farmers; he was the product of a brutal and violent Civil War and reconstruction era of American history."
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Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, 2002.
An examination of the relationship between the character Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth".
568 words (approx. 2.3 pages), 1 source, $ 20.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses the changes in the relationship between Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's tragic play, "Macbeth". It shows that as the events of the play progress, so too does their relationship progress from a loving one to an abnormal and unhappy relationship.
From the Paper
"In the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth seem to be deeply in love with one another, as proven by such things as his referring to her as his ? dearest partner of greatness? and his wanting to go ahead of everyone to get to his home quickly. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth seems to be the ?lesser of two evils? as it may be, and Lady Macbeth seems to be domineering. After the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth tries to calm Macbeth down by telling him ?These deeds must not be thought?so it will make us mad?, which is ironic because her own thought so of the murder eventually drive her to suicide. Lady Macbeth begins to manipulate Macbeth and challenges his feelings of guilt and pity for King Duncan and replaces them with malicious and spiteful feelings ?look like th'innocent flower, but be the serpent under't?. Lady Macbeth now instructs Macbeth on how he should act, encouraging him to be deceitful to Duncan. Macbeth becomes so absorbed in his mixed feelings about the murder that he withdraws from the loving relationship that he had with Lady Macbeth in the beginning of the play."
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Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, 2002.
Discusses how the contrast in the scenes leading up to and following Duncan's death enhances the characterizations of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses how the characterizations of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are enhanced by contrast in the scenes that precede and follow the murder of Duncan in Act 11. Macbeth undergoes a frightening change in his fortune -- a change for which he himself bears at least a partial responsibility. Lady Macbeth is directly involved in this transition.
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Macbeth: Dead Butcher or Tragic Hero?, 2002.
A paper which discusses the character of Macbeth in William Shakespeare's play of the same name.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the more complex character and motives behind Macbeth's actions which characterize him as a tragic hero. The paper shows that Shakespeare's Macbeth must have seemed like nothing more than a butcher to his victims but upon careful analysis of the text, one realizes that Macbeth was not fully evil, but a potentially great man who was led to evil through errors and forces beyond his control.
From the Paper
"In the culmination of Shakespeare?s Macbeth, Malcolm refers to Macbeth as ?this dead butcher?. Superficially, Macbeth is nothing more than a butcher ? he murdered his king, his kinsmen, even innocent women and children. From Malcolm?s perspective, Macbeth is no more than a heartless killer gone mad, Key lines in this play show that Macbeth is not heartless or a butcher. Macbeth had a potential for greatness, but tragic errors led to his downfall ? both in his death and his ?fall from grace?. Macbeth also experiences intense remorse for what he has done. The character of Macbeth is a tragic hero."
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"Macbeth", 2002.
An analysis of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and how it differs from other Shakespearean tragedies.
2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
"Macbeth" is one of Shakespeare?s most well-known tragedies. This paper highlights the difference of this play to some of his other famous plays. The play is very short compared to other plays. Shakespeare uses the play to mimic contemporary issues that were of concern in his time. But unlike some Shakespearean plays, Macbeth is a hero and also a villain. This paper takes a look at these issues.
From the Paper
"Macbeth is based on the life of the king of Scotland. Macbeth was the governor of Moray and killed a man named Duncan in 1040 in a fight. Macbeth was probably of royal blood. Macbeth's wife was a royal she was the granddaughter of Kenneth III. Kenneth III was overthrown by one of Duncan's ancestors. Macbeth was eventually defeated in 1054. A man named Malcom killed Macbeth in a fight and sat on the throne as Macolm III. It has been said that Shakespeare probably adapted the story from versions told by Raphael Holinshed and Hector Boece (Macbeth). "
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The Despair of Macbeth, 2002.
A review of the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare.
805 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This review discusses the role of Macbeth as a tragic hero as opposed to a true villain. The feelings of the reader are analyzed as sympathetic toward Macbeth instead of disdainful.
From the Paper
"In the play by William Shakespeare that bears his name, the hero ?Macbeth? emerges as tragic hero, not a villain. This is not because the play is called ?The Tragedy of Macbeth.? Rather it is because the play?s action is driven by the moral failure of the central character rather than the horror the viewer feels at the murder of Duncan by the central character. The tragedy is not that Duncan is dead; it is that Macbeth becomes a tyrant. (5.6.8)"
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Shakespeare?s ?Macbeth?, 2002.
This paper discusses Shakespeare?s ?Macbeth? for the perspective of the marriage relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth.
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 1 source, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the marriage relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth is ironically close, given their overwhelming personal ambitions. The author feels that their relationship disintegrates not because they lack love or respect for one another, but because they succumb, by the end of the play, to guilt and other personal psychological demons. The author relates that the porter?s joking about his drunkenness is an analogy for Lady Macbeth and Macbeth?s being drunk on power, as well as the clouding of their moral judgment.
From the Paper
"Macbeth?s soliloquy at the time of his wife?s passing is as full of sorrow as Macduff?s, but Macbeth also lapses into self-absorption and bravado. At first, he mourns his loss, saying ?She should have died hereafter,? (V, v, 19). Macbeth then begins the ?Tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow? soliloquy, which reeks of hopelessness, despair, and nihilism. He feels that life is meaningless, and in so doing may be attempting to extricate himself from his own guilt. Lady Macbeth committed suicide because of her immense psychological trauma. Her husband transforms his guilt into self-righteousness and even after Lady Macbeth?s suicide he still feels invincible because of the witches? prophesy. Whereas Macduff incorporated his loss and pain into a healthy psychological makeup, Macbeth transforms his grief into denial."
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"Macbeth", 2004.
An analysis of the character of Macbeth by William Shakespeare and the tragic suffering that he endures.
1,054 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses the concept of a tragic hero, as found in the plays by William Shakespeare. The essay particularly focuses on the character of Macbeth and describes the ways in which the character of Macbeth becomes a tragic hero. The essay uses passages and quotes to demonstrate the tragic suffering that Macbeth endures throughout the play.
From the Paper
"A tragic story involves someone who begins as a good person and then endures tragic suffering to the point where this good person is destroyed. In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, the character of Macbeth is unarguably a tragic hero. It is a story about a man's fall from grace. The audience is able to sympathize with Macbeth despite his horrifying acts because he suffers tragically. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal, brave, and respected man. By the end, Macbeth has become an evil person, and is completely alone. It is appropriate to say his suffering is tragic because his destruction is caused by love and desire. Macbeth's desire to become king is so powerful that it outweighs reason and logic. His ambition takes controls of his thoughts; Macbeth is even aware that what he is doing is horrifying, but he is too weak to control himself."
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Shakespeare's Villains, 2003.
A study of two of William Shakespeare's villains, Iago in "Othello" and Claudius in "Hamlet".
1,770 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines two of the most infamous villains in all of Shakespearian literature, Iago in "Othello" and Claudius in "Hamlet". The paper points out that both Claudius and Iago are driven by immoral ambitions. It adds, however, that unlike many "evil villains" in literature, these two characters are far more complex than may be seen at first. The paper praises Shakespeare as a master at providing an audience with keen insight into the human psyche through the actions and words of his heroes, and even more so, his villains. To conclude, the paper maintains that Iago and Claudius, although driven by different ambitions, are both villains in the sense that they have a specific target in mind and will stop at nothing until that aim is reached.
From the Paper
"Another common aspect of Iago's and Claudius's villainous character is their use of women to further their own goals. It is unclear how much Claudius is driven by lust for Gertrude, but marrying her was definitely a strategic move, and part of his master plan to keep the thrown away from Hamlet. By doing this, he is using Gertrude to advance his scheme, convincing her that her son is insane and must be sent away. Iago, a character who does not seem to plan out his every move, also makes women mere pawns in his game. The woman whose innocence and naivety he exploits the most is Desdemona. Claiming to be driven by lust, as perhaps was Claudius, Iago says he lusts after Desdemona to get revenge for Othello's infidelity with Emilia. As he says, it is "wife for wife." This is not the main reason he harms Desdemona, although he enjoys the pain he causes to all those around him. Rather, he uses Desdemona's sweetness to convince Othello that she is cheating on him with Cassio, whom Iago sent to speak to her. This meticulous orchestration of events proves that he is clearly aware of his villainous behavior and feels no regret for any of the losses suffered by the other characters under his influence."
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The Evil of Lady Macbeth, 2007.
This paper examines the wicked character of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's "Macbeth."
1,355 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes Lady Macbeth and discusses how we see her evil throughout the play. The paper shows how she manipulates her husband and how she decides to murder Duncan and then plans the murder. The paper discusses how she is not willing to commit murder herself so that she does not need to take any responsibility and also examines how she responds to the murder. The paper highlights how she is more evil than her husband; while Macbeth completes an evil action, Lady Macbeth shows that she is evil in her actions and in her character. The paper discusses how this evil stems from her lack of regard for other people and her focus on what she wants at the expense of others.
From the Paper
"The first way that Lady Macbeth's evil is seen is in the way that she is willing to manipulate her husband. This occurs in Act 1, Scene 7, where she convinces Macbeth to commit the murder. At the start of the scene, Macbeth is applying reason to the situation and talking himself out of committing the murder. When Lady Macbeth enters he states his decision not to continue saying "We will proceed no further in this business" (I, vii). His reasons include that Duncan has been good to him. At this point, Macbeth seems like a good and reasonable man. Lady Macbeth then replies. Rather than acknowledge Macbeth's goodness, she chides him and calls him a coward."
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