Macbeth
Macbeth
Main Characteristics: Ambitious, Brave, Ruthless, Conscientious, Reckless, Tortured
Associates: Lady Macbeth, Banquo (initially)
Macbeth is first introduced to us as a brave general who is loyal to King Duncan, and has just led the defeat of insurgent forces. Later, his reaction to the witches’ prediction that he will be king reveal his deep-rooted ambition and lust for power. As Macbeth contemplates regicide, he finds himself initially unable to act on his dark thoughts. This reveals a conscientiousness that will eventually wrack him with guilt.
However, his single-minded wife and ‘dearest partner of greatness’, Lady Macbeth, persuades him to overcome his scruples. Revealingly, she considers her husband ‘to full o’th’ milk of human kindness’ to ruthlessly seize the throne. Her subsequent goading and incitement, and his inability to oppose it, prompt Macbeth’s slaying of Duncan and his moral decline.
After murdering Duncan, Macbeth is consumed with guilt and self-hatred - emotions that reflect his complex personality. His over-reaching ambition has evidently set him on a course of action that he is mentally ill-equipped to deal with, resulting in extreme inner conflict. Despite this, he is unable to pull back from his chosen path, and the murders of Banquo and Macduff’s family mark his significant loss of humanity and further descent into evil. By this point, Macbeth’s transition from respected general to feared tyrant is complete.
As his wife spirals into madness and the Scottish thanes turn against him, he becomes increasingly isolated and emotionally volatile. Throughout the final act, his behaviour swings between reckless bravado and nihilistic despair. While we are appalled by the savage nature of his crimes, it is difficult not to feel some sympathy for this complex and tragic character as he comes undone. Macbeth’s death is inevitable and necessary to restore moral order. However, his acceptance and courage in the face
Main Characteristics: Ambitious, Brave, Ruthless, Conscientious, Reckless, Tortured
Associates: Lady Macbeth, Banquo (initially)
Macbeth is first introduced to us as a brave general who is loyal to King Duncan, and has just led the defeat of insurgent forces. Later, his reaction to the witches’ prediction that he will be king reveal his deep-rooted ambition and lust for power. As Macbeth contemplates regicide, he finds himself initially unable to act on his dark thoughts. This reveals a conscientiousness that will eventually wrack him with guilt.
However, his single-minded wife and ‘dearest partner of greatness’, Lady Macbeth, persuades him to overcome his scruples. Revealingly, she considers her husband ‘to full o’th’ milk of human kindness’ to ruthlessly seize the throne. Her subsequent goading and incitement, and his inability to oppose it, prompt Macbeth’s slaying of Duncan and his moral decline.
After murdering Duncan, Macbeth is consumed with guilt and self-hatred - emotions that reflect his complex personality. His over-reaching ambition has evidently set him on a course of action that he is mentally ill-equipped to deal with, resulting in extreme inner conflict. Despite this, he is unable to pull back from his chosen path, and the murders of Banquo and Macduff’s family mark his significant loss of humanity and further descent into evil. By this point, Macbeth’s transition from respected general to feared tyrant is complete.
As his wife spirals into madness and the Scottish thanes turn against him, he becomes increasingly isolated and emotionally volatile. Throughout the final act, his behaviour swings between reckless bravado and nihilistic despair. While we are appalled by the savage nature of his crimes, it is difficult not to feel some sympathy for this complex and tragic character as he comes undone. Macbeth’s death is inevitable and necessary to restore moral order. However, his acceptance and courage in the face