Macbeth character analysis

Macbeth character analysis

1. Characteristics

   • Ruthless
     • Macbeth was powerful and brave, he would fight in battles with pride and honour, this is where his ambition was used for good
       • "For brave Macbeth - well he deserves the name"
   • Guilty
     • Macbeth felt guilty after killing Duncan and taking the throne, this was because he didn't want to do it, but his ambition and Lady Macbeth's convincing took over
       • "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine.
   • Ambitious
     • Macbeth's ambition always took control, it made Macbeth do good and bad things. For example, when in battle, his ambition made him better in battle, but it also caused Macbeth to kill Duncan, after hearing the witches give him his prophesy
       • "Two. truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act, Of h'imperial theme"

2. Play themes

   • Tragedy
     • Macbeth's character changes throughout the play
       • Start
         • Macbeth was a loyal person, he always did what was right and fought for the king, he was powerful.
         • When meeting the witches, they told Macbeth he would become Thane of Cawdor and then king, Macbeth then became thane soon after, this caused his ambition to influence Macbeth into doing terrible things to become king
       • Middle
         • Macbeth then started to show an evil side, after being taken control of by Lady Macbeth and his own Ambition, Macbeth did the unthinkable and murdered King Duncan, this then caused Macbeth to feel guilty.
         • He betrayed his country and killed anyone who could stop him from keeping his title as king.
       • End
         • Macbeth was the complete opposite to how he was at the start of the play, becoming Hubris, thinking no one could harm "the great Macbeth" after the witches say so
         • His wife commits suicide leaving Macbeth alone and scared, until he sees the witches a second time
         • He is finally invaded by Macduff and lots of other English and Scottish soldiers, but because of his ambition, doesn't stop fighting but this then leads to him being killed by Macduff, ending his reign over Scotland.
   • Loyalty
     • Macbeth was loyal to Duncan, and would always impress him when fighting in battle.
   • guilt
     • Macbeth always felt guilty after doing terrible things.
   • Supernatural
     • "Is this a dagger which I see before me?"

3. Relationships

   • Lady Macbeth
     • Macbeth saw her as an equal, although she was very controlling and influenced Macbeth into doing bad things. (e.g killing Duncan)
   • Duncan
     • Macbeth was loyal to Duncan, the king would call Macbeth "worthiest cousin" and would always praise Macbeth for being a good warrior
       • "Worthiest Cousin"
   • Banquo
     • Macbeth and Banquo were partners in battle, they would fight side by side, when the two met the three witches, Banquo tried to stop Macbeth's ambition taking over after being told their prophesies.
       • "That, trusted home, Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, Besides the thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s In deepest consequence"