Macbeth commits several murders for his own personal gain as an evil ruler. For example, he tries to hide his true intentions in order to pass some obstacles and thinks “I am settled and bend up/ Each corporal agent to this terrible feat./ Away, and mock the time with the fairest show./ False face must hide what the false heart doth know”(I,vii,90-93). Macbeth plans to manipulate those around him. He is determined to commit murder on Duncan. Though Lady Macbeth inspires her husband to do evil deeds, Macbeth himself chooses to go through with the plan. Macbeth also kills Banquo because the prophecy says that Banquo’s son will be king. He sacrifices a close friend in order to maintain his high title. Macbeth wants to keep his throne permanently and plans to kill Macduff, so he thinks to himself, “Then live, Macduff. What need I fear of thee?/ But yet I’ll make assurance double sure/ And take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live!”(IV,i,92-95). He sees Macduff as a threat. Macbeth is already assured that he cannot be dethroned by Macduff, yet he doesn’t want to take a chance, and attempts to take care of this minor threat. Macbeth is truly a greater sinner than Lady Macbeth.
Macbeth also commits fraud and harms innocent people during his reign as king. For example, Macbeth has already committed murder, and is determined to continue killing, so he tells his wife “More shall they speak; for now I am bent to know/ By the worst means the worst. For mine own good/ all causes shall give way. I am in blood/ Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more,/ Returning were as tedious as go o’er”(III,iv,165-170). Macbeth thinks that stopping his murders is just as hard as continuing them. He plans on continuing his killing streak. In addition, Macbeth plans on visiting Macduff’s house, so he plots for his downfall, and thinks to himself “The castle of Macduff I will surprise,/ Seize upon Fife, give to the edge o’ the sword/ His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls/ That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool!/ This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool”(IV,i,170-175). Macbeth will kill Macduff’s family, and anyone who gets in his way. He lacks mercy, and harms the innocent. He goes forward with his wicked schemes. Macbeth is a cold blooded man who does not grow weary of such strong actions.
The height of Macbeth evil is much greater than his wife’s. Though Lady Macbeth originally plots Macbeth’s reign, Macbeth is the person who carries through and does most of the physical damage himself. He continues his evil deeds until the end, even when his wife has already died. Could there possibly be any greater even than Macbeth?
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