The Character Of Macbeth :: essays research papers

The character of Macbeth was a classic example of a sad hero. Though many factors contributed to the degeneration of Macbeth, the one that stuck out most was his unmanageable urge to attain and retain advocate. His over ambitious desire to get under ones skin power was let let out by the witches, with their prophecies of Macbeth becoming the Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King of Scotland. At first Macbeth replied that such foreshadowing couldnt be taken seriously, because of the evil forces that coif behind them. However, when Macbeth was declared Thane of Cawdor, almost immediately after the witches prophecies, he had mystic thoughts and ambitions that he could become King of Scotland. In an instant the witches had let loose Macbeths over ambitious nature for imperial power. (An aside in I.iii.127-130 is a perfect example)     Now that Macbeths uncontrollable desire to become king had surfaced, he became solely focused on obtaining this goal. This included the carrying out of King Duncan. lady Macbeth, wanting to be queen of Scotland, provided her husband with a plan to slay King Duncan. At first Macbeth hesitated to put to death Duncan. He was afraid of the aftereffects and didnt rate it right to kill a king who was just and of such mettlesome stature. Unfortunately for Duncan, Macbeths ambitions slowly overpowered his morals and loyalty. Even though Macbeth was uncertain, his ambition for power was able to take over his mind, and provided him with a sufficient excuse to murder King Duncan.     Macbeth had straightaway achieved his goal, being the King of Scotland. His urges should have diminished, but they didnt. Macbeth was now dead set on retaining his new power. He became paranoid and feared Banquo, whose virtue and loyalty could allow him to avenge Duncans death. Even though Banquo thought it was kind of odd that Macbeth quickly acquired the titles the witches hailed him, he did not think M acbeth was capable of murdering Duncan. However, what really was bothering Macbeth was Banquos sons were prophesied to inherit the throne. Macbeth would do whatever he could to prevent anyone, even after his death, from taking the throne. Macbeth wasnt just satisfied with being king he valued to have his descendants share the title as well. Acting on these passions, Macbeth hired two assassins and tried to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Even though Fleance escaped, the murder of Banquo calmed Macbeths nerves because he was safe from being charged with the murder of King Duncan.