Macbeth: Tyrant Yet Hero
People are rarely evil by nature. Rather, they may unwillingly become so because of circumstances or negative influence. Shakespeare’s play Macbeth exposes this very issue through the downfall of its protagonist. Because of his later transformation into a tyrant, one may be quick to label Macbeth as a purely villainous character. However, the virtuous nature he initially displays, the negative influence he is subjected to and the deep emotional distress he experiences thereafter all contribute to making him a victim and the tragic hero of the play.
Early on, Macbeth is presented as being a righteous and honourable man. As the king’s general, he is continuously praised for his courage and loyalty. During the battle against the Norwegian army, he fearlessly risks his life to defend his country. “Brave Macbeth” (I.ii.18) and “valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!” (I.ii.26) are only a couple of the compliments he receives from his peers. There is no doubt that his virtues earn him the esteem and trust of others.
Even Lady Macbeth, who is deceitful by nature, remarks the qualities in her husband. As she plans on turning Macbeth against Duncan, she is forced to take in account that he “is too full …show more content…
Immediately after learning about the kingship prophesied to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth sets her mind on corrupting him. From her viewpoint, the quickest way for her husband to access the throne is to slay Duncan. She eventually succeeds by questioning his courage: “Art thou afeard/ to be the same in thine own act and valour/ as thou art in desire” (I.vii.42-44) and by disputing his manhood: “when you durst do it, then you were a man.” (I.vii.53-54) She manages to persuade her husband not because he welcomes the idea of regicide, but by taking advantage his pride, his indecisiveness and by displaying her own
People are rarely evil by nature. Rather, they may unwillingly become so because of circumstances or negative influence. Shakespeare’s play Macbeth exposes this very issue through the downfall of its protagonist. Because of his later transformation into a tyrant, one may be quick to label Macbeth as a purely villainous character. However, the virtuous nature he initially displays, the negative influence he is subjected to and the deep emotional distress he experiences thereafter all contribute to making him a victim and the tragic hero of the play.
Early on, Macbeth is presented as being a righteous and honourable man. As the king’s general, he is continuously praised for his courage and loyalty. During the battle against the Norwegian army, he fearlessly risks his life to defend his country. “Brave Macbeth” (I.ii.18) and “valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!” (I.ii.26) are only a couple of the compliments he receives from his peers. There is no doubt that his virtues earn him the esteem and trust of others.
Even Lady Macbeth, who is deceitful by nature, remarks the qualities in her husband. As she plans on turning Macbeth against Duncan, she is forced to take in account that he “is too full …show more content…
Immediately after learning about the kingship prophesied to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth sets her mind on corrupting him. From her viewpoint, the quickest way for her husband to access the throne is to slay Duncan. She eventually succeeds by questioning his courage: “Art thou afeard/ to be the same in thine own act and valour/ as thou art in desire” (I.vii.42-44) and by disputing his manhood: “when you durst do it, then you were a man.” (I.vii.53-54) She manages to persuade her husband not because he welcomes the idea of regicide, but by taking advantage his pride, his indecisiveness and by displaying her own