Morality And Corruption In William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Throughout the misfortunes of Macbeth, we see Macbeth’s transition from a noble and heroic solider, to one, who in reality, was more corrupted than even himself could imagine. The three witches planted the seed of corruption, and his position at Thane of Cawdor wasn’t enough. His thirst for power lead to the murders of first Duncan then Banquo, as well as his decline into paranoia and ultimately to his demise. At the start of the play, the comrades he fought with, as well as the king himself acknowledge Macbeth to be very heroic in battle. The sergeant had only positive remarks to say concerning Macbeth. “For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name--Disdaining fortune, with his brandish 'd steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valour 's minion carved out his passage.” (1.2.18-21). As a product of his performance on the frontline, the king appoints Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth, content with is new position, …show more content…
He consuls the word of the three witches and its clear he is lost. "Howe 'er you come to know in answer me./ Though you untie the winds and let them fight/ Against the churches, though the yeasty waves/ Confound and swallow navigation up,” (4.1.53-56) Macbeth talks as if he is one with the witches. Macbeth is full of evil and holds the words of the witches over anything in this world. Nevertheless Macbeth’s true maliciousness shows when kills the wife and children of Macduff a nobleman who disagrees with Macbeths reign. Its clearly evident the darkness Macbeth has fallen into. “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, /Seize upon Fife, give to th ' edge o ' th ' sword/ His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls"(4.1.150-152). Macbeth’s mindset is disoriented. So much so that the suicide of his wife doesn’t faze him the least, saying, "She should have died hereafter"