In a Shakespearean tragedy the protagonist rises to great heights, but through the choices and actions taken, the character is condemned to a catastrophic fall. This is perfectly illustrated in Macbeth. As Macbeth ascends he gains the Thane of Glamis, the Thane of Cawdor, and the throne of Scotland. From this plateau there is no higher earthly point for Macbeth to fall from. Macbeth's first crucial occurrence as king was the escape of Fleance (Banquo's …showed first 75 words of 1011 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1011 total…aloud with mine: Hail, King of Scotland" (V, vii, 83-88). Ultimately Macbeth loses the throne, the line of kingship, the Thane of Glamis, the Thane of Cawdor, and most importantly his place in society. Overall, Macbeth produces exceptional calamity and in the end suffers a catastrophic end. Nothing more could be taken away from Macbeth for he lost everything; his fall was absolute. And thus Macbeth is viewed to be a true Shakespearean tragic hero.