Macbeth Discuss the Character

A detailed Summary of Macbeth Discuss the Character

The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a classic piece of Literature that has been continuously analyzed throughout the centuries. The main character of the play, Macbeth, has conflicting emotions that result in him "destroying his self respect, ruining his pride, degrading his honor, and spoiling his integrity" (Cant). In an effort to gain power, he pushes aside his honor, but his desire for immorality is what caused his downfall in the end. The play depicts the minor characters as having their own distinct characteristics, however Macbeth tends to modify himself many times throughout the play. Macbeth is first portrayed as a noble, brave soldier who thrives on the admiration and respect from people around him (Cant). Later, he becomes indecisive and feebleminded as Lady Macbeth persuades him into killing King Duncan in an effort to gain power. He shows his weak, agile characteristics by allowing his success to conquer him (Hazlitt 171). By the end of the play, Macbeth's objective is to resume in power and ensure a secure future for himself. The actions he takes to obtain this goal causes his level of morality to decline and he loses the respect he previously earned throughout his meritorious life (Cant). Mac

After killing Duncan, Macbeth shows remorse for the treason he has committed which he once fought against. As he becomes more anxious and disturbed, the joy and love he once received diminishes, but hope causes him to continue the striving for domination. Macbeth is no longer happy with who he is or what he has done despite the fact he gets all that which he set out to gain. Macbeth seems to be comforted by reminiscing his crimes. He attempts to deny their consequences and he relieves his regret for his past actions by planning more devious schemes in order to ensure his position. "He stands in doubt between the world of reality and the world of fancy" (Hazlitt 176). "I have supped full with horrors / Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts / Cannot once start me" (V.v.13). Macbeth begins to see hallucinations that cause him to be severely agitated. "He becomes more callous as he plunges deeper in guilt" (Hazlitt 171-176).

Lady Macbeth effects the way the audience views Macbeth because she is utterly relentless. Macbeth's characteristics change because of her ruthless ambition that drives him to commit malicious sins (Hazlitt 171). She encourages Macbeth to "look like th' innocent flower / But be the serpent under't" (I.vii.63). Lady Macbeth is very persistent in reaching a higher social guise, leading Macbeth to become violent in order to acquire her mission (Hazlitt 171-175). Lady Macbeth has successfully subdued Macbeth when he murders Duncan although he originally was against it.

During the first act of the pl

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Approximate Word count = 1043
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English