Macbeth 6 Essay, Research Paper

It has been said “Literature opens a dark window on the soul, revealing more about what is bad in human nature than what is good”. I agree with this statement. Many pieces of literature show that dark said of human nature, but none come close to the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. In this play, the dark nature of humans is highly emphasized. Two examples of this is the development of Macbeths character throughout the play, and the character of Lady Macbeth.

Macbeth begins the play as a noble warrior. He is praised for his couragous acts and becomes the Thane Of Cawdor. He is King Duncans most valuble and prized fighter. Upon meeting the Three Witches, Macbeth learns that he might becomes king. The thought of becoming king drives him to think of murderous acts on the king. He and Lady Macbeth concieve a plan to kill Duncan so he may become king. He goes from noble warrior and trusted friend to a backstabber (literally! Ha ha ha…) all for the promise of becoming king. Not only that, but he hires assassins to bump off Banquo and Fleeance, his son. Banquo gets killed, but Fleeance escapes. Macbeth was willing to kill his own friend just so he may remain king (The witches said Banquo’s sons would be kings, and Macbeth didnt like that). To boot, Macbeth sends assassins to kill Macduffs family. By the end of the play, Macbeth is a ruthless, honorless king, and gets killed by Macduff. Macbeth’s good side was shown for a little bit in the begining of the play, but that quickly changes and Macbeth becomes evil.

Lady Macbeth’s character shows that she is evil and ruthless. Everyone thinks that she is a tender woman, sweet and kind. But on the inside, she is a pure murderer with no concious. The entire plot to kill Duncan was thought up by Lady Macbeth alone. She ridicules Macbeth for feeling guilt and remorse. She got angry at him when he could not place the daggers on the murderers. Lady Macbeth does all these horrible acts, just so that she may become queen. Ultimately though, her actions lead to her demise (self induced?). Lady Macbeths character is that of someone without remorse or guilt, and one who sins blindly.

It has been said “Literature opens a dark window to the soul, revealing more about what is bad in human nature than what is good”. I agree with this statement. As plainly shown by the examples of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the play Macbeth reveals more about what is bad in human nature than what is good. The only good human nature shown in Macbeth would be Banquo not killing anyone…..and thats not saying much.