In Macbeth, the central character, Macbeth has the ability for moral judgment, but he willfully disregards his moral thoughts. This leaves him vulnerable to the deception that is of an evil nature. Macbeth is strongly led to evil, but he also absorbs it. He is a tragic hero simply because he becomes caught up in the reaction between his evil actions and his conscience. It is his awareness of evil that makes him tragic. Through Macbeth's actions, Shakespeare depicts the nature of evil as deceptive, lustful and disruptive.
             To begin, in Macbeth, Shakespeare endeavors to illustrate that evil operates through deception. Appealing to those emotions in man that undermine his morality and are blind to the rights of others, Macbeth aspires to a lesser good that ultimately destroy all ties to sanity. The most obvious symbols used by Shakespeare in this context is the witches. The wicked sisters work against nature. Their role is to inspire the evil that lies dormant within man himself. What Shakespeare stresses is that the promises made by these supernatural forces are merely deceptions that lure Banquo and Macbeth to commit sinful acts. The prophecies of the witches seduce Macbeth. Banquo however, can recognize that "The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/ Win us with honest trifles, to betray's/ In deepest consequence." Act 1. Sc.3 LL 136-138.
             Furthermore, Shakespeare acknowledges that Macbeth is indeed aware of his place in nature, but is blinded by his ambition. Macbeth chooses to challenge God, to acquire a position higher than fit to have. Through Macbeth's love of self, he sets his desires against those of God. To do so, Macbeth must call upon the forces of evil and darkness. Misled by his wishes, he sees them as only options, blinded to their consequences. With Macbeth's ties to reason now shattered, he can defy the laws of God and Man; thus, he is now able to commit murder. "Come seeling. Night, Scarf up the tender eye of ...