The Changing Character of Macbeth
The story of Macbeth has many Shakespearean characters that could compare to the reader. Macbeth compared the most to the reader because of his ambition to become king. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is shown as being greatly admired and who possess a strong character (Webster 706). As the play progressed, Macbeth's personality and actions become more devious, leading to his destruction. Macbeth's changing character over the course of the play can be seen as him being a general, through his ambitions to be king, and as a husband towards Lady Macbeth.The first example of the changing character of Macbeth is evident in his role as a general. As the play begins, Macbeth is a brave general, well respected by his peers. The captain returning from the battle reports, "But all's too weak; for brave Macbeth... (Shakespeare 1.2. 17-18). The people trust Macbeth's strength and depend on him. However, as the play continues, Macbeth becomes useless as a general. He becomes fearful at the sight of Banquo's ghost. Macbeth tried to pretend to appear brave by saying, "Thou canst say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at
me..." (Shakespeare 3.4.61-62). In this quote Macbeth is showing paranoia, a truly fearless general would not have fearful visions of those they have murdered. Macbeth's sinful deeds not only lead him to be fearful, but cornered as well. Macbeth as a general, a husband, and through his ambitions showed his changing character throughout Macbeth. "The play portrays the complete evolution of Macbeth's personality" (Drabble 600). This theme followed him from being a respectable person down the shameful path he takes to self-destruction. Everything about Macbeth fell apart and he lost control. Shakespeare's message is that nothing good comes out of destroying others on your way to the top, even if you seem to get away with it. Macbeth's changing character is also seen in his role as a husband. Macbeth tells his wife everything and writes her a letter about his plans for the murderer of Duncan (Shakespeare 1.5.1-14). He shares his most intimate feelings and secret plans with Lady Macbeth. Macbeth even calls his wife "my dearest partner of greatness". (Shakespeare 1.5.11) This proved the affection and trust he had in Lady Macbeth. When Macbeth needed som
Some common words found in the essay are:
Macbeth Macbeth, Macbeth Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth, Banquo Wash, Macbeth Shakespearean, Scotland Drabble, Duncan Macbeth, Duncan Shakespeare, changing character, lady macbeth, Inverness Macbeth, Cumberland Macbeth, ambition king, changing character macbeth, character macbeth, example changing character, macbeth's changing, becoming king, macbeth macbeth, macbeth's personality, king scotland, macbeth's changing character, lady macbeth macbeth, near play,
Approximate Word count = 782
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
