Macbeth Is The Transformation Of Man Into Evil Essay Example
In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the focus is on a man who becomes consumed by ambition and a hunger for power. The play delves into how this character descends into wickedness and grotesqueness as his desire for control takes over. Initially, Macbeth is portrayed as a courageous and devoted Thane in the Scottish army, earning praise from his fellow soldiers and the King. However, his longing for authority causes him to abandon his initial virtues and undergo a complete transformation from the heroic figure he once was.
Macbeth is characterized by his combination of physical and moral strength, as he constantly aspires for greatness. At first, this unwavering ambition leads him to become a hero, relentlessly pursuing personal growth and fueling his ambitions for a more fulfilling life.
During this period, Macbeth had a powerful ambition that motivated him t
...o relentlessly pursue his objectives. Despite being seen as virtuous, Macbeth, like all individuals, had inherent imperfections rooted in human nature. It is typical for people to choose the easiest or quickest path to achieve their goals, and Macbeth was no different.
Once Macbeth hears the Witches' predictions and the first prediction quickly comes true, he realizes that he may have found a shortcut to the throne. At this point, Macbeth's mindset begins to change as his ambitious nature takes control. He starts contemplating how he can ensure that the last prediction becomes a reality. When the King decides to stay at Macbeth's castle, Lady Macbeth attempts to persuade him to murder the King. However, Macbeth initially hesitates as he is a loyal Thane and feels obligated to protect the King. Nonetheless, when his wife challenges his masculinity and his desire
to prove himself takes over, Macbeth ultimately decides to kill Duncan.
This is where Macbeth's moral decline starts. He begins to lose his morals in his quest for power. Although he becomes king, the burden of worry constantly plagues him. He initially commits one murder to claim the throne, but he has to kill many more people to maintain his position. In addition, he even kills the guards outside the king's chamber when he assassinates him. The Witches' prophecy regarding Banquo becoming the ancestor of a line of kings implies that Macbeth's reign will be short-lived.
Now that Macbeth has become king, he is determined not to lose his power. His plan is to murder Banquo and his son. It is important to remember that Banquo was Macbeth's friend and fellow captain in the army. It is shocking to see Macbeth willing to kill a friend just to maintain his power and the throne. Macbeth once again seeks guidance from the witches, who warn him about Macduff. He becomes fearful, as he realizes that Macduff now poses a significant threat to his kingship. Macduff, however, is safely residing in England. Nevertheless, Macbeth goes ahead and kills Macduff's family for no logical reason.
The text highlights Macbeth's transformation into a cruel and heartless murderer without any moral compass. His desperation escalates to the point where he senselessly kills an innocent family, revealing his deteriorating morality. The play demonstrates how Macbeth's pursuit of power leads him to commit more and more murders, reflecting his diminishing ethical standards.
Macbeth starts by committing the murder of the man he had vowed to safeguard, as well as the murder of a close friend and
coworker, and subsequently, the killings of innocent women and children. The person Macbeth was before his ascent to power would not have condoned such actions. These murders were all driven by a sole glimpse of hope that originated from the prophecy of the witches. Macbeth's ambition transformed the desire to become king into his ultimate moral degradation. In striving relentlessly for power, he achieved the position of king, albeit at the expense of his ethics and mental stability.
