Elizabeth Mellema Essay

Elizabeth Mellema

Mrs. Wood

English 11 A- 1st hour

22 February 2016

Macbeth

Macbeth is a very complex character, that develops into a completely different character by the time the play come to the end. Macbeth’s many different personalities and traits are developed as the play goes along, so that the play changes moods. In a sense it shows how in this play they characters on the outside are not the same on the inside, it is almost as if they are two completely different characters. Although in the beginning Macbeth seems like a noble and favorable character, as the story evolves the real identity of Macbeth is revealed, he is a power hungry, mentally unstable, and corrupt person that will do anything for power.

In the beginning of the novel, Macbeth is seen as a very brave character, that many people throughout the town like.  In the beginning of the book he was the Thane of Cawdor, because he won the battle.  “ For Brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name…” (1.2.6-18) They are talking about his bravery throughout his battle, and how he deserved a more honorable name.  Macbeth had to fight to show how honorable and brave he was.  The name was not just handed to him, but he had to work for it. “So well thy words become thee as thy wounds...surgeons” (1.2.43-44) This quote is basically saying that not only do Macbeth’s wounds show his bravery, but his words and speeches do to.  Macbeth was a very powerful and influential speaker, and in the beginning of the book uses his power for good.  

Although Macbeth wants to become king, he still has a difficulty journey to take. “Are less than horrible imaginings...but fantastical.” (1.3.137-138) Macbeth is fearful of the journey to become the king.  He does not know what to expect, and what he will have to do to be able to become king.   As we find out later in the book he will do anything to gain more power.  Macbeth even goes as far as killing women and children, so that he gains more power and the spot as king is secure. After Macbeth has killed the king he says “I have done the deed” (2.2.15) This could imply he is almost regretful of what he did.  As the book progresses it is shown that it is not a mistake, but he really is a corrupt and power hungry individual.

In Act 4, after Macbeth has done multiple killing, he starts having visions of different things that are going on. “Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff. Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough.” (4.1.71-72) In his first vision he see Banquo as well as a head with an armored helmet. After he see this hs has a second image where he see a more disturbing image. “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn. The power of man, for none of woman born. Shall harm Macbeth. (4.1.81-83) He see a bloody child, which could be one of the children that he killed. The third image could be considered a image on his innocence. “Be lion- mettled, proud, and take no care...Shall come against him.” (4.1.90-94) He sees a child with a crown on his head and a tree in his hand, representing his want for power and his innocence as a child.

By the end of the book Macbeth is not scared of death anymore, because it is something that is almost normal to him. He will kill anymore as long as that means he gains more power.  He doesn't just kill the king, but he kills anyone that might stop him from achieving the ultimate goal, which is to be king.  “I have almost forgotten the taste of fears.” (5.1.9) He has killed so many people that the feeling of fear that was shown in the beginning of the book is not there anymore.

Macbeth is a round character, which means that as the story develops his character changes. His first identity he is a noble and favorable character, but once his second identity is revealed he has completely changed.  He is a mentally unstable person that is power hungry and corrupt.