Changes In Macbeth Essay, Research Paper

CHANGES IN MACBETH

In the play Macbeth by Shakespeare the character of Macbeth has changed greatly. Because, of this Macbeth has went from being looked upon as an honorable man to really being one of the most dishonest and sinful men that ever lived.

In the beginning of the play Macbeth appears to be a caring person who even though wanted to do wrong couldn’t, due to his morals. Macbeth is nervous and scared to assassinate Duncan and this is known from the siloqy that he presents to the audience in act 1 scene VII he says ” If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly. If th’ assassination could trammel up the consequence, and catch, with his surcease, success;that but this blow might be-all and the end-all__ here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases we still have judgment here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague th’ inventor: this even-handed justice commends th’ ingredients of our poisoned chalice to our own lips. He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues will plead like angels trumpet- tongued against The deep damnation of his taking-off: And pity, like a naked newborn babe, striding the blast, or heavan’s cherubin horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air, shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other-” This here shows Macbeths inner thoughts on killing Duncan. Although he wanted to he knew if he did it would be immoral and did not want to be faced with the consequences. After thinking the murder over he has decided that he will not go through with it. He then tells his wife, Lady Macbeth that he has changed his mind about the murder. Lady Macbeth was blown away by what Macbeth was saying. She could not believe that her husband was such a coward. She goes on to tell him how she feels about him. In Act1 Scene VII Lady Macbeth says to Macbeth ” Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now, to look so green and pale at what it did so freely? From this time such I account thy love. Art thou afread to be the same in thine own act and valor as thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would”, like the poor cat I’ th’ adage? What lady Macbeth is doing is questioning her husband’s masculinity. Which of course would make any proud man feel as if they had to prove themselves. Macbeth has decided to go through with the murder and from this moment on will never again be the good man he once was.

As the audience can see, Macbeths character has almost immediately began to change after he has completed the murder. After he slaughtered Duncan he went on to murder the guards also. Macbeth not only murders the guards but also, makes up a lie to why he committed this act. In Act 11 scene III Macbeth says ” who can be wise, amazed, temp’rate and furious, Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man. The expedition of my violent love out run the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan, His silver skin laced with his golden blood, And his gashed stabs looked like a breach in nature For ruin’s wasteful entrance: there, the murderers, steeped in the colors of their trade, their daggers unmannerly breeched with gore. Who could refrain, That had heart to love, and in that heart courage to make ’s love known? As the audience can see now, Macbeth has went from being a loyal and honest man to a dishonest man. Macbeth made this speech because he was covered with guilt all over. He had no choice in what to do so he decided to confess that he killed the guards but, instead of telling them why he did he told them that he did it out of his love for the king and hatred towards the guards for killing the king.

As the play goes on Macbeth is very nervous. He is constantly looking over his shoulder thinking that someone is out to find out his secrets. Macbeths fears in Banquo are beginning to become very strong and therefore, Macbeth feels as he has to do away with him so that he doesn’t get caught up in his sinful acts. Macbeth shows his fears in Banquo in Act 11 Scene I he says ” To be thus is nothing, but, to be safely thus- our fears in banquo stick deep, And in his royalty of nature regions that, Which would be feared. Tis’ much he dares: And, to that dauntless temper of his mind, he hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety. There is none but he Whos being I do fear.. And under him My genius is rebuked, as it is said Mark Anthony’s was by Caesar. He chid the sisters, When first they put the name of king upon me, And bade them speak to him; then prophetlike They hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my grip, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If’t be so, For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; For them the gratious Duncan have I murdered; Put rancors in the vesses of my piece Only for them, and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo’s kings! Rather than so, come, fate, into the list, And champion me to th’ utterance! While Macbeth is saying this he is fearful that all the work he put into killing Duncan would actually be helping Banquo’s children by enabling them to obtain the thrown. Macbeth could not have this and therefore, decided to kill banquo and his son.

Clearly all of Macbeths actions show how he has changed throughout the play. Macbeth has gone from being an honorable man to being one of the most disloyal men there ever was.