Macbeth Essay
The Tragedy of Macbeth is an eponymous play written in the 17th century, which portrays the downfall of a war hero due to a tragic flaw. William Shakespeare effectively provides key insights into humanity that explores the power of ambition, the disastrous nature of fear and the values of trust.
Ambition plays a vital role in the storyline of Macbeth as it establishes the transformation in Macbeth’s character, from being a well-respected Scottish general to a tyrannical ruler. In Act 1 Scene 2, the first impression of Macbeth is manifested through the conversation between King Duncan and Ross. His temperament is cited through the words ‘brave’, ‘valiant’ and ‘noble’, which sustains his character to be well honoured and heroic. In addition to this, the supremacy of Macbeth’s title is exemplified by the use of anaphora in, “All hail, Macbeth! -” (I.3.47-49) portraying the ovation people bestow upon him. However, his notable traits start to degrade when the witches’ prophecies prove accurate to Macbeth’s future. This is evident in his first soliloquy, “The greatest is behind... If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my rib?”(I.3.135-136).The use of imagery connotes to the emotions that Macbeth embodies, enclosing his dark thoughts that signify his desire for more power.
His ambitious nature is further outlined when Malcolm is declared as “The Prince of Cumberland”. This in turn, acknowledges Macbeth’s envy towards Malcolm’s step up, as this would result him to ‘fall a step down’ (1.4.50-51). His plan to ‘o’erleap’, juxtaposes with his flawless behaviour that was adhered at the start of the play. Macbeth’s ambition is however, halted when conscience takes hold of him. His indecisiveness can be seen in the use of accumulative listing in, “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; Duncan hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office-”
Ambition plays a vital role in the storyline of Macbeth as it establishes the transformation in Macbeth’s character, from being a well-respected Scottish general to a tyrannical ruler. In Act 1 Scene 2, the first impression of Macbeth is manifested through the conversation between King Duncan and Ross. His temperament is cited through the words ‘brave’, ‘valiant’ and ‘noble’, which sustains his character to be well honoured and heroic. In addition to this, the supremacy of Macbeth’s title is exemplified by the use of anaphora in, “All hail, Macbeth! -” (I.3.47-49) portraying the ovation people bestow upon him. However, his notable traits start to degrade when the witches’ prophecies prove accurate to Macbeth’s future. This is evident in his first soliloquy, “The greatest is behind... If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my rib?”(I.3.135-136).The use of imagery connotes to the emotions that Macbeth embodies, enclosing his dark thoughts that signify his desire for more power.
His ambitious nature is further outlined when Malcolm is declared as “The Prince of Cumberland”. This in turn, acknowledges Macbeth’s envy towards Malcolm’s step up, as this would result him to ‘fall a step down’ (1.4.50-51). His plan to ‘o’erleap’, juxtaposes with his flawless behaviour that was adhered at the start of the play. Macbeth’s ambition is however, halted when conscience takes hold of him. His indecisiveness can be seen in the use of accumulative listing in, “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; Duncan hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office-”