Macbeth: Protagonist Becoming Evil
The story Macbeth is like no other in plot and poetry. It sets itself apart
from the rest by having a protagonist becoming evil. What makes Macbeth such a
complicated character is the way his outlook keeps on changing throughout the
play. This essay will prove that Macbeth is an evil man and was not overpowered
by ambition to get what he wanted. This essay will also determine that certain
characters like the witches did not force him to do evil; they simply triggered
it.
In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is shown as a hero in the Scottish army,
that is ironic because Macbeth has defeated a traitor and he will become one.
We feel that a person of his loyalty could never commit evil unless he had a
good reason or if he would be provoked. After Macbeth's first meeting with the
witches, we learn from his aside that he has thought about killing Duncan " My
thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical" 1(Macbeth 1.3.152). Macbeth also
says " If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir."
2(Macbeth 1.4.157-159) which means that maybe he does not have to murder the
king to gain that title. Luck has been very generous to him and might continue
and make him king.
Macbeth's true evil thoughts about being king are first shown when he finds out
that king Duncan has named his son Malcolm as Prince of Cumberland. He now
shows his evil and his true feelings.
" Stars, hide your fires; Let not night see my black and
deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that
be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see." 3
(Macbeth 1.4.57-60)
Macbeth is actually seeking help from the dark and supernatural. Macbeth is
saying that he does not want to see the evil that he will commit until it is
done. It is now known that Macbeth is capable of evil and would commit it.
Upon meeting Lady Macbeth, we can assume that any evil done by Macbeth would be... [continues]
The story Macbeth is like no other in plot and poetry. It sets itself apart
from the rest by having a protagonist becoming evil. What makes Macbeth such a
complicated character is the way his outlook keeps on changing throughout the
play. This essay will prove that Macbeth is an evil man and was not overpowered
by ambition to get what he wanted. This essay will also determine that certain
characters like the witches did not force him to do evil; they simply triggered
it.
In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is shown as a hero in the Scottish army,
that is ironic because Macbeth has defeated a traitor and he will become one.
We feel that a person of his loyalty could never commit evil unless he had a
good reason or if he would be provoked. After Macbeth's first meeting with the
witches, we learn from his aside that he has thought about killing Duncan " My
thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical" 1(Macbeth 1.3.152). Macbeth also
says " If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir."
2(Macbeth 1.4.157-159) which means that maybe he does not have to murder the
king to gain that title. Luck has been very generous to him and might continue
and make him king.
Macbeth's true evil thoughts about being king are first shown when he finds out
that king Duncan has named his son Malcolm as Prince of Cumberland. He now
shows his evil and his true feelings.
" Stars, hide your fires; Let not night see my black and
deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that
be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see." 3
(Macbeth 1.4.57-60)
Macbeth is actually seeking help from the dark and supernatural. Macbeth is
saying that he does not want to see the evil that he will commit until it is
done. It is now known that Macbeth is capable of evil and would commit it.
Upon meeting Lady Macbeth, we can assume that any evil done by Macbeth would be... [continues]
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"Macbeth: Protagonist Becoming Evil." StudyMode.com. 10, 1999. Accessed 10, 1999. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Macbeth-Protagonist-Becoming-Evil-3867.html.
