Macbeth and Hamlet as Tragic HeroesWilliam Shakespeare wrote many literary works: from his sonnets to his plays, each has its individual characteristics. A popular characteristic that comes from his plays is the tragic hero. The audience can always identify with the tragic hero and the many trials he faces. Macbeth and Hamlet are just two of Shakespeare's plays involving the tragic hero. Through their nobility, tragic flaws, and dignity, Macbeth and Hamlet prove themselves to be tragic heroes. Macbeth's nobility begins with the title of "thane of Glamis" (1.3.74). After the death of the original "thane of Cawdor" (1.3.110), Macbeth also gains this title. Once the witches reveal the prophecy that Macbeth would become king, Macbeth kills the king and takes the throne for himself. This reaches the height of Macbeth's nobility. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is considered a "worthy lord" (2.3.43.), however, by the end this turns into nothing more than a "hellhound" (5.8.4.). Just like Macbeth, Hamlet is very powerful and has a high status in the country. Hamlet is the prince of Denmark and was appointed "nearest [to] the throne" (1.2.109) by Claudius. "Lord Hamlet"(1.5.112.) is highly respected by the Danish people. Claudius takes this into account and does not immediately kill Hamlet when he discovers that he knows the truth about his father's death. Similar to Macbeth, Hamlet begins in a more noble position than he ends up in. Once Hamlet begins to act madly, others begin to believe that his "noble mind is here overthrown!" (3.1.153.). The idea that both Hamlet and Macbeth begin with a high position and fall to defeat leads to the development of the theme that power corrupts, a major theme in honor... at the center of the card... exchanging forgiveness with him. In turn, the dignity of Shakespeare's tragic heroes is ultimately restored, but this does not change their fate. The characteristics of Macbeth and Hamlet lead them to become tragic heroes. The specific detail of these characteristics makes Shakespeare's tragic heroes well defined in each of his plays. At the moment of their deaths, both Macbeth and Hamlet realized their destiny and accepted the consequences like a true tragic hero. Works Cited and Consulted: Elliot, G.R. "Introduction: On `Macbeth' as ​​Apex of Shakspearean Tragedy" in Shakespearean Criticism, Volume 3. Edited by Laurie Harris Gale: 1984Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Norman Sanders. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Silvano Barnet. New York: Classic Seal, 1998.