Initially, in the play, Macbeth is depicted as a capable and esteemed individual with a fully developed character. He has excelled in various aspects of his life.
Macbeth's personality is influenced by his potential and environment, but it would be incorrect to assume that all of his actions are predictable because he cannot completely understand his own excessive self-love. He is driven by a desire for temporary and changeable rewards, particularly the approval of society from different origins.
Although Macbeth has imperfections, his complex personality should not be disregarded. He exhibits courage and expertise while serving under Duncan, and also takes satisfaction in his triumphs during battle and strives for individual acknowledgment.
During his service to Duncan, Macbeth acknowledges that his loyalty pays for itself. Even though his motivations are primarily driven by a strong desire for rewards, such as fame, titl
...es, and royal favor, Macbeth also destructs Duncan's enemies. He fights courageously to be recognized as "valor's minion" and "Bellona's bridegroom." As long as his desires for these mutable goods are satisfied, Macbeth is considered an honorable gentleman.
Macbeth resorts to dishonorable tactics in order to fulfill his self-centered desires, which cannot be obtained through honorable means. Following his victorious return from the battlefield, Macbeth's egotistical nature demands recognition of his greatness. The witches, symbolic of the demonic forces driving Macbeth, urge him to attain the kingdom, the greatest mutable good he has ever desired. Carefully observing Macbeth's demeanor, the witches discern the passions fueling his dark desires, which he struggles to suppress. Ultimately, the witches foresee Macbeth becoming king.
The witches cannot force Macbeth to commit evil deeds, but they can exploit his ambition to become king and
manipulate his ability to reason, ultimately causing him to choose short-term benefits over sound judgment. Macbeth becomes so consumed by these malevolent urges that he begins to see things that aren't really there and his judgement becomes clouded. Despite this, Macbeth possesses a natural goodness that enables him to resist the temptation to engage in criminal activity. His choice not to murder is driven by loyalty to both his friend and his king, rather than a moral conviction.
Macbeth's worries are not limited to spiritual consequences. It's doubtful that he ever considers the damage that his evil deeds have on the human soul. His primary concern is the loss of his current possessions and values. By committing the unnatural murder of Duncan, Macbeth surrenders his soul to demonic forces who oppose humanity. The torment of his conscience serves as a reminder of the natural law he violated.
After realizing his mortality, Macbeth struggles to avoid the consequences of his actions and yearns for relief from his suffering. He longs for nightfall to end his torment, as he has been reduced to a mere mortal once again.
Macbeth envisions a solution to ease his guilty conscience through the precepts of natural law. By performing more heinous acts, like the assassination of Banquo, he believes he can ensure his personal safety and eliminate his last shred of humanity. However, Macbeth does not find peace following Banquo's murder as he comes to understand the futility and repercussions of evil deeds. He beseeches for his invisible and bloody hand to annul the great bond that has been keeping him in despair.
Macbeth realizes that even the satisfaction of receiving respect and admiration
from others is now beyond his reach. He is denied the honorable and loving treatment that should accompany old age and instead receives curses and insincere praises. In his current state, Macbeth is aware of the loss of something much more valuable than material possessions and has become indifferent to distinguishing between good and evil. The numbness he experiences brings a false sense of peace, but it also creates a callous attitude towards pain and a lack of sensitivity towards his declining existence.
Macbeth experiences a peace that is uncertain and characterized by complete negativity, where nothing seems to matter. Despite facing both internal and external sources of evil, Macbeth remains human and watches as his self slowly diminishes. However, Macbeth's rational nature is not completely deprived by sin. Rather, he sins only to pursue temporary good and avoid present evil. Despite gradually losing his ability to reason, Macbeth never completely loses his freedom of choice. As his decision-making becomes increasingly impaired by his blinded reason, his actions become less and less free.
This passage discusses how Macbeth's actions become more controlled as the play progresses, ultimately resulting in a feeling that he has lost his free will. Macbeth's repetitive irrational behavior violates his natural law and establishes a pattern that takes away his freedom of choice. Furthermore, this text explains that tragic heroes are made from personalities like Macbeth's, which are packed with potential and driven by passion that intensifies over time. As the play proceeds, Macbeth gains a deeper understanding of spirituality and the world around him. However, Macbeth's humanity binds him to the natural order, which dictates his actions and determines his ultimate fate.
Despite this limitation, Macbeth has a will capable of free choice and must discern between good and evil.
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