Macbeths Reputation Essay
Discuss how Macbeth has changed and lost his reputation: What are the various examples of evil?
Macbeth; Scotland’s greatest and most formidable general, the Kings loyal servant, worthy Thane of Cawdor, respected gentry of Scotland’s bosom. A murderer, tyrant, fiend, and ‘Hell-Kite’. The tale of Macbeth represents how actions and fate can change the reputation and future of anybody, and that absolute power will corrupt absolutely. Prior to the encounter Macbeth had with the Witches, he was seen as the Hero of Scotland, and battle worthy and proven soldier; gallant and friend to many, “My noble partner” (Banquo). After he is exposed to the evil and supernatural demeanour of the witches, he is overwhelmed, overcome by ambition, lust for power, lust for more than the title of the Thane of Cawdor. He begins to rely on the witches for information, and is eventually considered by even them, evil, “By the pricking of my thumbs something wicked this way comes” (Second Witch). However, before all the misfortune, circumstance and ambitious actions, Macbeth was once seen as a valiant man, a great hope for Scotland “I have begun to plant thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing” (King)
Macbeth’s previous history must’ve been something to earn himself the immutable respect of so many people, even the King addresses him in exclamation, “O worthiest cousin!” He commands respect where ever he is, and common soldiers know even to pay him the reverence he deserves, “Hail, most worthy Thane” (Ross). All this trust, dedication, and deference shown towards Macbeth indicate clearly that he is a valiant hero of Scotland, and has obviously no desire to throw all his fame away. However, this is indivertibly achieved by one action, one very evil and malicious action. Juxtaposed against the stormy night, Macbeth, under the influence of evil, ambition, his wife’s taunting and a supernatural spell, Macbeth murders the King.
This is a pivotal point in the play, as firstly,
Macbeth; Scotland’s greatest and most formidable general, the Kings loyal servant, worthy Thane of Cawdor, respected gentry of Scotland’s bosom. A murderer, tyrant, fiend, and ‘Hell-Kite’. The tale of Macbeth represents how actions and fate can change the reputation and future of anybody, and that absolute power will corrupt absolutely. Prior to the encounter Macbeth had with the Witches, he was seen as the Hero of Scotland, and battle worthy and proven soldier; gallant and friend to many, “My noble partner” (Banquo). After he is exposed to the evil and supernatural demeanour of the witches, he is overwhelmed, overcome by ambition, lust for power, lust for more than the title of the Thane of Cawdor. He begins to rely on the witches for information, and is eventually considered by even them, evil, “By the pricking of my thumbs something wicked this way comes” (Second Witch). However, before all the misfortune, circumstance and ambitious actions, Macbeth was once seen as a valiant man, a great hope for Scotland “I have begun to plant thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing” (King)
Macbeth’s previous history must’ve been something to earn himself the immutable respect of so many people, even the King addresses him in exclamation, “O worthiest cousin!” He commands respect where ever he is, and common soldiers know even to pay him the reverence he deserves, “Hail, most worthy Thane” (Ross). All this trust, dedication, and deference shown towards Macbeth indicate clearly that he is a valiant hero of Scotland, and has obviously no desire to throw all his fame away. However, this is indivertibly achieved by one action, one very evil and malicious action. Juxtaposed against the stormy night, Macbeth, under the influence of evil, ambition, his wife’s taunting and a supernatural spell, Macbeth murders the King.
This is a pivotal point in the play, as firstly,