Claudius and Macbeth: A Comparison between a Villain and a Tragic-Hero

This article compares Claudius who is generallyconsidered as a tragic villain with the tragic hero Macbeth and brings out the astonishing similarities between them. Both of these tragic characters are driven by their ambition to become the head of their land. This tragic flaw created havocfor them and others involved with them in their personal and public life. The positive qualities of Claudius and Macbeth can make the readers feel that these characters deserve the kingship than anyone else. They are true to themselves andfeel guilty for their murderous act. They have similar flaws, hubris, insolence and bravado. This article demonstrates how the reading of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth from acounter perspective brings out an interesting revelation about the two tragic figures namely Claudius and Macbeth who are generally considered as poles apart from each other since theyare seen from one particular angle negating or turning blind to the possibility of other perceptions.