Essay On Macbeth Is Not Evil

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth is the main character as well as the antagonist. Throughout the play, we follow him in his endeavors as he rises to power; the man wants the crown, but at what cost? This essay will take all factors into account in determining whether or not Macbeth is evil. His actions initially weighed in his favor, but as the playwright progresses, it becomes apparent the extent to which he will go to build his power. Macbeth is not entirely evil, he’s just a powerful man whose pride (and wife) got the best of him. Why would one argue that Macbeth is at least somewhat evil? Macbeth does some evil things, that's why! First off, he kills King Duncan. Next, he kills Banquo. Neither men were direct threats to him. As if that weren’t enough, Macbeth also orders the murder of Macduff, but as it turned out, Macduff had already run off to England, so his wife and son were ordered to be killed instead. Lastly, it can be inferred that Macbeth’s evil tendencies peaked during the instance in which Seyton informs him that his wife, Lady Macbeth, had been killed: “She should have died hereafter. / There would have been a time for such a word.” (V.v.17-18). He basically said she would have died anyway, showing no signs of remorse.
Well, he was considered a war hero before suspicions rose as a result of the death of King Duncan. “The king hath happily received, Macbeth, / The news of thy success, and when he reads / Thy personal venture in the rebel’s fight, / His wonders and his praises do contend / Which should be thine or his.” (I.iii.91-95). His acts of heroism bumped him up in society; he was an honorable man. What else contradicted the idea that Macbeth was purely evil was his initial faith. He stayed devoted and faithful towards his mate, Lady Macbeth. Ironically enough, Lady Macbeth is a major contributor towards Macbeth’s fall into the path of