Macbeth Essay

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare’s characters such as Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Macduff, represents different opinions about what is means to be a man. To Macbeth’s eyes there are multiple ideas what a man should be. To start off with, we see through the character of Macbeth that a man needs to be brave. In the beginning of the play there was a great victory that King Duncan gladly retained his position and authority. The captain of the army was giving the synopsis of what took place in the war. Then he points out the person who stood out the most which was Macbeth, “For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name- Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution” (l.2.16-17). In spite of war, violence, and bloodshed Macbeth showed the characteristic of a man which is bravery. Next is promotion, and elevation of your job statues. After winning the war Macbeth wins the title of being the Thane of Cawdor. But due to the corruption of Macbeth’s heart he wants more. Therefore when he sees the weird sisters and they tell him “that shalt be King hereafter” (1.3.50) then you see the personality of Macbeth’s definition in a man. This leads to selfish ambition. The play continues with Macbeth sending a letter to his wife of his plan to kill King Duncan and that he is going to bring all the guys to the house for the night. But in this letter he describes to his lady what the desire of his heart is: the murder of his king. He tells his determination to her by saying that “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition” (1.7.25-27).
Speaking about determination, that word would qualify the ideal of a man. After Macbeth fighting for his country and king, you would expect to be loyal to them. But nope, instead he wants to murder the King. A murder is not easy and especially if you have all the host of the Denmark army in your house! In spite of circumstances Macbeth “done the deed” (2.2.14). Just to be the king... [continues]

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