Macbeth's Downfall Essay
In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a plethora of complex internal and external factors are put on an even more complex main character Macbeth. At times, his actions are questionable and even revolting; however, it’s not fair to say he’s a monster devoid of humanity, especially in the time it’s set in.
Macbeth started out the Scottish play as Thane of Glamis. He was a capable warrior, quite possibly the best. At one point, it is said that he, “unseamed him from the name to th’ chops,” (I, ii, 22) which is admirable in the 11th century. Macbeth isn’t something wicked for this, though. It’s appropriate.
Walking with a fellow general, Macbeth runs into the weird sisters. The leitmotif of fair and foul is introduced, and Macbeth is referred to as the Thane of Glamis--true, the Thane of Cawdor--not true, and the king--also false. Upon hearing his ally’s prophecy, Macbeth’s fellow general, Banquo, presses to hear his prophecy from the witches, which ultimately causes his death. Macbeth tells his “dearest …show more content…
However, it shows that Macbeth is in need of a catalyst. It’s debatable if he would have proceeded to kill King Duncan had he not had the reinforcement of hallucinations. Further showing Macbeth’s unwillingness, he freaks out after and worries all the oceans won’t wash the blood of of his hands. The death of Duncan precipitates an abundance of situations that change who Macbeth is as a person.
As Macbeth progresses further into his tragic hero stature, he works out every possible situation that could go wrong and tries to fix them. After all, doesn’t it make sense that the king could have been killed by his children that fled? By trying to fix his situation, the audience can relate to Macbeth. He saw a way to solve some problems, and he took them, just like most people would. Once again, he’s not emitting monster
Macbeth started out the Scottish play as Thane of Glamis. He was a capable warrior, quite possibly the best. At one point, it is said that he, “unseamed him from the name to th’ chops,” (I, ii, 22) which is admirable in the 11th century. Macbeth isn’t something wicked for this, though. It’s appropriate.
Walking with a fellow general, Macbeth runs into the weird sisters. The leitmotif of fair and foul is introduced, and Macbeth is referred to as the Thane of Glamis--true, the Thane of Cawdor--not true, and the king--also false. Upon hearing his ally’s prophecy, Macbeth’s fellow general, Banquo, presses to hear his prophecy from the witches, which ultimately causes his death. Macbeth tells his “dearest …show more content…
However, it shows that Macbeth is in need of a catalyst. It’s debatable if he would have proceeded to kill King Duncan had he not had the reinforcement of hallucinations. Further showing Macbeth’s unwillingness, he freaks out after and worries all the oceans won’t wash the blood of of his hands. The death of Duncan precipitates an abundance of situations that change who Macbeth is as a person.
As Macbeth progresses further into his tragic hero stature, he works out every possible situation that could go wrong and tries to fix them. After all, doesn’t it make sense that the king could have been killed by his children that fled? By trying to fix his situation, the audience can relate to Macbeth. He saw a way to solve some problems, and he took them, just like most people would. Once again, he’s not emitting monster