Robert Williams
2/14/14
ELA
My Outline
Topic 5: A tragic hero is a protagonist, usually of noble birth or high-standing, who
brings about his own downfall by a choice brought on by a character flaw. Tragic heroes have
several other common features: they undergo meaningful suffering, learn from their mistake
somehow, and arouse pity or fear in the audience through their demise. Is Macbeth a tragic hero?
Explain why or why not.
Thesis – Macbeth is a tragic hero who brought his own downfall
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Became Thane of Cawdor
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Felt conflicted when before and after killing King Duncan
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Was killed at the end
1st major point: the witches predicted his future
3-5 supporting details
Transition
“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of
Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (I, iii, 50-52)
2nd major point: his wife goaded Macbeth to kill to attain the throne
3-5 supporting details
Quotes
“What beast was’t then that made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then
you were a man” (I, vii, 52-54)
Transition
3rd major point: loses everything in the end
3-5 supporting details
Transition
Concluding thoughts