Shakespeare wrote the play, Macbeth, which features the character, Macbeth who turns evil. Lucas made the Star Wars movies which feature the hero, Anakin Skywalker, who succumbs to the dark side. Both men have conflicting issues that lead to their downfall. Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth were both once heroes. Anakin Skywalker had done many heroic acts. He saved many lives. Anakin had always wanted to help everyone he could and this is what made him a hero. Macbeth saves Scotland from tyranny and oppression. He restored peace to Scotland with help from his best friend and fellow general, Banquo.
Macbeth looks up to Duncan, the King of Scotland, and his mentor. Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth both had a tragic flaw that led them down the path to the dark side. Anakin is different than Macbeth in that there is a way he is forced to live his life. Anakin has always had anger, fear, and a desire for more power. Macbeth has also had similar ambitions and desires for power. Once Macbeth hears of the witch’s prophecies, he begins thinking evil thoughts and murder ideas. He considers taking such actions, yet has internal arguments about them. Both men had evil influences in their lives.
Anakin had Palpatine manipulating him since he was a small boy, and Macbeth had the witches to give him evil thoughts. Both men had their own personal dreams about their own empires. They also committed many pointless murders. Both men truly loved their wives. Both Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth realized they could not live this way. Anakin redeemed himself in the end. Macbeth had the opportunity to, but did not. Anakin could not stand seeing his son dying. He destroyed his evil influence, Palpatine. Anakin Skywalker died peacefully in his son’s presence.
Macbeth did not destroy his evil influence, the witches, but he did recognize their treachery towards him. He realized that their prophecies were meant to deceive him. Macbeth became a warrior again. He died with honour and bravely. Macbeth almost redeemed himself when he put his sword down, but he refused to surrender. Macbeth is an example of a classic tragic hero, whereas Anakin is no longer a tragic hero by redeeming himself. Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth are both great examples of a tragic hero. They were once great heroes who gave in to the dark side. Later Anakin redeemed himself, unfortunately Macbeth did not.
