Macbeth

Macbeth

1. Hero

   • At the start of the play, Macbeth is described as a "valiant" warrior.
   • Rosse compares him to "Bellona's bridegroom" suggesting he is saying Macbeth is like Mars, the god of war
   • Macbeth seems most comfortable on the battlefield. When he's fighting, he doesn't have to worry about his guilty Conscience and the morality of his action
   • Macbeth dies in battle too - he fights "bear-like" to the end, even though he knows he's doomed. He's determined to "try the last" and says that he "will not yield"
   • By the End of the play, Macbeth's come full circle - he's returned to being the brave soldier he was in Act1. This contrasts with the middle of the play, where he seems weak and uncertain.
     • Also a contrast is occurred in the play as Macbeth is seen as cutting someone heads off at the start play, but Macbeth dies by his heading being cut off by Macduff. Referring back to the Full circle

2. Ambition

   • At the start of the play, Macbeth is Thane of Glamis. He quickly becomes the more powerful Thane of Cawdor and then murders his way to become and remain King of Scotland
   • The Withches predictions seem to waken the ambition already in him and he is spurred on by his wife
   • Macbeth has Macduff's family and Banquo Killed Because he's worried about losing his position
   • "I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ Valuating ambition"

3. Brave

   • At the start of the play, Macbeth shows that he is a might warrior when leading the Scottish troops to victory over the an invading force
     • "For Brave Macbeth, well he deserves that name"
   • Dunacn rewards Macbeth by making him Thane of Cawdor due to his excellent leadership and bravery in the battle. "well he deserves that name"
   • Duncan calls Macbeth "noble Macbeth" due to his bravery

4. Changeable

   • Lady Macbeth greatly Influence Macbeth he would not kill Duncan if it wasn't for her. Macbeth acts because he doesn't want to be seen unmanly or a "coward".
     • "And live a coward"
     • "And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man" Emotive Language from Lady Macbeth
   • Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth declines after Duncan's murder -- once he's murdered Duncan, the other murders seem to come more easily to Macbeth, so he acts alone
   • Macbeth keeps changing his mind about whether to murder Duncan or not
   • Early part of the play Macbeth ambition conflicts with his sense of loyalty and morality.
   • Lady Macbeth is key to persuading him and keeping him determined
     • "We will proceed no further in this business."
       • After a short space of time
         • "I am settled and bend up"