Hamlet and Macbeth Recount Similar

Hamlet and Macbeth recount similar stories (the usurping of a throne) from differing perspectives-those of perpetrator and avenger. Just as Macbeth was not ALL bad, Hamlet was not ALL good. What are some of his faults or short comings? Do these constitute a "fatal flaw"?

Hamlet and MacBeth are considered to be masterpieces of literature. As they discuss the different inter-workings of: human nature and how the reaction to various events will have an impact upon their situation. This is important, because it shows how both would highlight the underlying challenges faced by everyone. As the faults and short comings of the main characters, would underscore the overall fatal flaws in many individuals. To fully understand this requires examining the flaws of: Hamlet, MacBeth and looking at examples of them in both plays.

In Hamlet, idealism is the major flaw that is affecting the main character. Where, he believes that everyone is: naturally good natured and that their motives are based upon fairness. This is problematic, because it would create a situation where this would haunt him throughout the play. A good example of this occurred, when he was slow to react to the murder of his father, only to become enraged at the untimely death of his uncle. This is important, because it shows how Hamlet's idealism, would cause him to see the true intentions of people when it was too late. Once this occurred, it meant that Hamlet's situation would go from bad to worse, leading to his untimely death. In this case, his idealism would constitute this fatal flaw, as he was unable to see the situation for what it really was. ("What was Hamlet's Fatal Flaw")

MacBeth's greatest shortcomings were: his ability to be easily influenced and a lack of loyalty that he is showing to friends / allies. The ability to influence the main character is troubling, because this leads to the series of murders that MacBeth is directly or indirectly involved in. This fatal flaw causes a host of different problems, as he realizes that the self-fulfilling prophecies (from the witches) are becoming true. At which point, he begins to panic and misinterpret the underlying meanings. ("Tragedy in MacBeth," 2009)

This leads to the death of MacBeth's friend and ally (Banquo). As these prophecies are influencing MacBeth to the point, that he begins to see everyone as his enemy. This is when, he turns on Banquo based upon: his knowledge about previous murders that MacBeth was involved in. This is problematic, because it creates a situation where all of MacBeth's friends and allies will turn on him. As they see him, as nothing more than brutal tyrant, who will say anything to anybody. This leads to the loosely-based confederation that is formed among: MacBeth's former friends and enemies. At which point, they attack his kingdom, eventually beheading McBeth. This is important, because it shows how MacBeth's lack of loyalty, would lead to the downfall of his kingdom and eventual death. As a result, one could argue that this is one of his fatal flaws that would make the situation go from bad to worse. ("Tragedy in MacBeth," 2009)