Mabeth's Character Developement

In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth, the protagonist, undergoes a series of character changes. As the situation intensifies and he grows increasingly confident with using and even abusing his power, he resorts to progressively more drastic actions. Macbeth’s motivation changes from simple ambition, to necessity and finally ruthless desperation or remote insanity.

On his return home from dutifully defending his beloved king, Duncan, Macbeth is informed of three prophecies by three witches. These “imperfect speakers” great him with the titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King. At this point in time, Macbeth’s imagination is first awakens and he begins to wonder if such a think might ever befall him as a reality. Shortly after this encounter with the witches, Macbeth is greeted with his new title Thane of Cawdor, because of the treachery from the last one. It is evident at this point that Macbeth’s thoughts have shifted to the possibilities that his new title infers when he says, “This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.” During the celebration of Macbeth’s valiant victory and his n

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ewly earned title, Duncan announces the Prince of Cumberland or next heir to the thorn. This act brings suspicion, most notably Banquo’s, on Macbeth as seen by Banquo’s statement,

And when we have our naked frailties hid, that suffer in exposure, let us meet And question this most bloody piece of work, To know it further. When he has recovered from his delusions, Macbeth begins to realize that he might be in too deep. During the banquet in honor of Banquo, who will not be attending because Macbeth has had him slain, Macbeth begins to hallucinate that Banquo has returned from the grave to haunt him. This prophecy conflicts with Macbeth’s interests because it would mean that inevitably Macbeth would be slain or somehow his line to the thrown would be cut. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’ other---”

After Duncan’s murder, Macbeth becomes aware of the many errors in the way in which he killed the king. He realizes that in order to maintain the lie the he did not do it he would have to cover several of the mistakes he made. One main flaw in Macbeth’s plan is that he has to kill the two guards who supposedly commit the crime. This suggestion is a trap, which feeds upon itself and cycles until it inevitably conquers its victim. It is a teal Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. Soon after, Macbeth is made aware of Macduff’s conspiracy against him. ” In the last few scenes, Macbeth’s desperation and oscillating sanity continue to build until he is told of his wife’s death and it becomes apparent that he has given up,

And all our yesterday have lighted fools The way to dusty death. If’t be so, for Banquo’s issue have I filled my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered; Put rancor in the vessel of my peace Only for the, and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kinds, the seeds of Banquo kings!

Macbeth realizes that unless he is to slay Banquo and deter his prophecy then the killing of Duncan would only be his damnation and a fruitless cause.

Approximate Word count = 920
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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