Maddie Salvato
Mrs.Wood
English 11A-1st Hour
21 February 2016
Macbeth Characterization Essay
As one of the most influential characters in William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, the character that is Macbeth will endure significant changes throughout the plot. Macbeth was, at first, a highly respected man, however every man has his weaknesses, and this flaw could be his own worst enemy. Macbeth was highly vulnerable to the influences of those around him, which caused him to fall from an honorable thane to a depraved and insecure man.
Macbeth served as the Thane of Glamis for many years. This was a position of serious prestige, as working for the king was recognized as a highly honorable occupation. Not only did Macbeth serve as the Thane of Glamis, but also as a noble and brave warrior. Macbeth seems to be so loyal to the king that he would die for him, at least that's what it seems. Slowly, Macbeth is enticed by the idea of becoming as powerful as the king,. He begins to imagine how tremendous his life would become if he were king.?” This idea comes to mind when Macbeth and his friend Banquo run into the three ghastly sisters. The three sisters proclaim that Macbeth will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and eventually a king. Macbeth is in disbelief, how can he be the Thane of Cawdor or even the King? The sisters disappear, as messengers from the king come and report to Macbeth that he is in fact Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth begins to think that he could actually become king. idea intrigues him, “This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth? My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smothered in surmise, and nothing is but what is not” (1:3, 131-142). The possibility of great power is enticing to Macbeth, he could rise to power by going against his morals. “If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me, without my stir” (1:3, 143-144).Macbeth would undoubtedly take the throne if he had the opportunity. Macbeth was first lured by the idea of power by the three weird sisters and begins to consider the idea of becoming king. This demonstrates how easily Macbeth could be influenced by others.
Shortly before Macbeth arrives to his castle, Lady Macbeth receives news that Macbeth is Thane of Cawdor. She is delighted that her husband is becoming more and more powerful. She also begins to take into consideration the idea of her husband becoming king. She is enthralled with the idea. Lady Macbeth is willing to kill the king so Macbeth can rise to power. (quote) When Macbeth arrives back at the castle they begin to discuss the idea of murdering the king. They conduct a plan and decide to act upon it when the king comes to the palace that same night. However, when it comes time to commit the crime, Macbeth loses confidence and wants to end the operation. This is upsetting to Lady Macbeth and she belittles him (quote 2) He eventually ends up killing the king. This shows how susceptible Macbeth was to his wife’s “peer pressure,” and how she persuaded him to go against his morals and kill the king.
Macbeth has now achieved his goal of becoming king, and the power is slowly getting to him. Macbeth is paranoid of his own people discovering that he killed the king.This caused him to lose his own sanity.. He has become a merciless and depraved man, sending out assasins to kill McDuff’s wife and babies (quote) because McDuff left the kingdom and he suspects that McDuff is plotting against him. Macbeth also requests that his best friend Banquo and young son to be killed because he is disgusted by the idea that Banquo's children are aires to the throne and will, one day, take Macbeth’s place. However, when the murderers go to kill Banquo and his son, they only succeed in killing Banquo, while Fleance escapes. The idea of Fleance surviving pushes Macbeth over the edge. This shows how truly insane and nefarious Macbeth has become.
Macbeth fell from an honorable man to a murderous and insane fool. All of this occurred due to how susceptible Macbeth was to the influence of those around him, especially his wife. Macbeth’s vulnerability is the sole reason behind his seize of power. The desire to please his wife caused Macbeth to abandon his morals and honor to satisfy her personal desires.
Really great essay, Maddie. You definitely had some really good points with some good evidence to back it. To make the essay even better, try and make sure all of your quotes are being cited, instead of just putting (quote). I also found a very common mistake that even I committed, which is the title of the play. I liked how you italicized it, but make sure you put The Tragedy of Macbeth instead of just "Macbeth." One of the best things you did was create a thesis statement for every paragraph. You started off your supporting paragraphs with an introductory statement, which I think is really important to the strength of an essay.
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